Why do some countries have such well developed networks whereas others struggle to generate any wind?

1. China: China leads the world in wind power installation, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from wind turbines. The country has vast wind resources and China’s targets are supported by government incentives and policies.
2. United States: The U.S. is among the top wind power producers globally, particularly in states like Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma. The country benefits from expansive land areas and favorable wind conditions in various regions. Federal tax credits and state-level renewable energy standards have stimulated significant investment in wind energy infrastructure. In particular the Inflation Reduction Act has driven a boom in renewables.
3. Germany: Germany boasts a substantial wind power capacity, primarily concentrated in coastal regions and areas with high wind potential. The country’s energy transition policy aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, driving continuous expansion of wind farms.
4. India: India has witnessed remarkable growth in wind power installation, with states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat leading the way. The biggest wind power project is in the Jaisalmer wind park in Rajasthan.
5. United Kingdom: The UK has made significant strides in offshore wind power, harnessing its abundant wind resources in the North Sea and Irish Sea. Offshore wind farms like Hornsea and Walney Island have propelled the UK to the forefront of offshore wind development globally.
6. Spain: Spain has a long history of wind power development, with regions like Castilla-La Mancha and Galicia hosting extensive wind farms.
7. Brazil: Brazil boasts substantial wind power potential, particularly along its northeastern coast. States like Rio Grande do Norte and Bahia have emerged as key locations for wind farm development, supported by government auctions and incentives to diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
8. Denmark: Denmark is a pioneer in wind energy, with a strong commitment to renewable energy dating back several decades.
9. Sweden: Sweden has invested heavily in wind power, with a focus on both onshore and offshore installations. The country’s favorable wind conditions, coupled with supportive policies and incentives, have spurred growth in wind energy capacity, contributing to Sweden’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.
10. Canada: Canada has vast untapped wind resources, particularly in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.

While countries vary in their ability to actualise wind power projects, some, such as the UK, Denmark and the USA as well as China have made particular advances both in installation and the development of innovative new technologies.