
Wind Power: A cornerstone of Green Recovery
Re-building Better for a More Sustainable and Resilient Future.
The COVID-19 crisis is one of the worst health and economic emergencies that the world has witnessed in the past century. As the pandemic forced countries into lockdown, the urgency to secure jobs and safeguard economic activity threatens to overshadow the looming climate emergency. Impacts of COVID-19 resulted in an 8% CO2 emissions reduction in the first half of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. But research has shown that emissions have already returned to pre-COVID levels in many markets, and we remain on a dangerous trajectory towards around 3°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels.
The current crisis offers a unique window of opportunity to put the world on a sustainable trajectory and meet our international climate goals, but we must act now or we will miss the opportunity.
Global Wind Industry Statement on Green Recovery
In May 2020, the global wind industry, representing 98% of the total global wind power installed capacity, published a statement highlighting how wind power can support a green recovery, and outlining key policy recommendations to maximise the socioeconomic benefits of wind power across the world.


Data & Analysis
Track the latest economic stimulus packages and policies being approved for the energy sector around the world. Drawing upon data and insights from Energy Policy Tracker, see in real-time how green recovery policies are being implemented at global, regional and country level.

GWEC forecasts 355 GW of new wind capacity could be installed worldwide over the next five years, which could generate 2.4 million years of full-time employment.

At least 140 GW of the forecast pipeline comprises “shovel-ready” projects, offering near-term potential for job creation in construction, transport, installation and grid connection.

Studies show that $1 spent on renewables generates 7.5 jobs, versus the 2.7 jobs generated by $1 spent on fossil fuels.

GWEC Market Intelligence expects that thanks to continued growth 900,000 jobs will be created in the offshore wind industry over the next decade
How can wind energy support a #GreenRecovery?
Policy Recommendations
A robust policy framework is key to accelerating wind power growth at the necessary levels to meet Paris-compliant decarbonisation scenarios. Policy is also critical to realising the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of wind power, including job creation, local investment, development of critical infrastructure, public health savings, energy security and much more.



News & Resources
IRENA Coalition for Action Renewed Call to Action
In a renewed call to action, over 100 leading renewable energy players, as members of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Coalition for Action, urge governments to correct course. By...
Read MoreBeijing Declaration on Wind Energy
Download the Beijing Declaration on Wind Energy English Chinese Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin We pledge a five-point initiative to further accelerate the deployment of wind...
Read MoreEditorial: Accelerating wind power growth in India and driving a green recovery with GWEC India
As the third largest carbon emitter in the world, decarbonising India’s energy system is crucial to achieve global decarbonisation targets and support international efforts to keep global warming under 1.5°C...
Read MoreOREAC: 1,400 GW of offshore wind by 2050 achievable with increased government commitment and collaboration
The Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition (OREAC) is calling on governments to ramp up their offshore renewable energy ambition to achieve the coalition’s vision of 1,400 GW of offshore wind...
Read MoreGWEC to launch GWEC India to help develop India’s vast wind power potential and support green recovery
Today, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) announced that they will establish GWEC India to work with government and stakeholders to renew momentum around wind power development and support India...
Read MoreGWEC: Wind power industry to install 71.3 GW in 2020, showing resilience during COVID-19 crisis
According to the latest market outlook published today by GWEC Market Intelligence, 71.3 GW of wind power capacity is expected to be installed in 2020 despite the impacts of COVID-19,...
Read MoreContact
General & Media Enquiries

Alyssa Pek
alyssa.pek@gwec.net
Wind Association Enquiries

Emerson Clarke
emerson.clarke@gwec.net