A Strong Comeback for Wind Energy
The US wind industry made a major rebound in 2025, installing 8.2 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity — a 49% jump from the previous year, according to Wood Mackenzie.
That momentum is expected to continue. Installations could reach around 11 GW in 2026, making it the strongest year for wind expansion in half a decade.
A Massive Pipeline Driving Growth
The outlook remains strong through 2030, with about 48 GW of new wind capacity forecasted. A key factor is a 15.4 GW pipeline of projects that have already cleared major financial and development hurdles.
Most of the near-term growth will come from land-based wind, with around 24 GW expected between 2026 and 2028. Many of these projects are already under construction or in advanced stages.
Where Growth Is Happening
Wind development is expanding beyond traditional regions. In 2026, the western US is expected to dominate new capacity, led by large-scale projects like Pattern Energy’s SunZia in New Mexico.
The Midwest is projected to take the lead in 2027, while Texas is expected to regain the top spot by 2028.
Offshore wind is also accelerating. Projects like Vineyard Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are moving forward quickly, with around 6 GW of offshore capacity expected online by 2027.
Challenges Still Holding It Back
Despite the growth, the industry faces several hurdles. Permitting delays are a major issue, especially reviews involving the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense.
Backlogs have grown rapidly, with thousands of turbines waiting for approval. If delays continue, total installations could drop significantly over the next few years.
Costs are another concern. Turbine prices remain higher than in previous years, and additional increases are expected due to tariffs and supply chain pressures.
Why Demand Is Rising Fast
Electricity demand is increasing much faster than before, driven largely by data centers and large-scale energy needs.
Regions like ERCOT in Texas and PJM in the Midwest are expected to see the most demand growth, aligning closely with wind-rich areas.
The Bottom Line
Wind energy in the US is gaining serious momentum again, with strong growth expected over the next few years. However, its long-term success will depend on how quickly the industry can overcome permitting challenges and rising costs.
