World Bank Estimates Global Offshore Wind Potential at 71,000 GW
What happened
The World Bank estimates that the worldwide potential for fixed and floating offshore wind, using current technology, is approximately 71,000 GW. As of the end of 2025, the global offshore market provided 92.5 GW of energy, which accounts for about 7 percent of total global wind capacity. China is responsible for more than 50 percent of offshore wind farms globally.
From waterford-news.ie
Why it matters
The global offshore market has grown by an average of 10 percent each year over the last decade. Ireland has set an ambitious target to generate at least 37 GW of offshore renewable energy capacity by 2050. Offshore wind is noted for producing more consistent power than onshore wind.
From waterford-news.ie
Who's involved
- IrelandSovereign state with ambitious targets for offshore renewable energy generation.
- ChinaNation responsible for more than half of the global offshore wind farm capacity.
- World BankInternational financial institution that provided the global potential estimates.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- NetherlandsSpeculative
The increase in global offshore wind growth might increase regional investment opportunities.
- European CommissionSpeculative
Massive offshore renewable energy investment could validate the necessity of meeting European Union climate targets.
- European ParliamentSpeculative
EU energy legislation might be debated and approved based on global trends in offshore wind.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Ireland
sovereign state in Northwestern Europe
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China
cultural region, ancient civilization, and nation in East Asia; mostly refers to the People's Republic of China in political situation and rarely refers to the Republic of China
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World Bank
international financial institution