25 Years of WWEA: From 20’000 MW to 1’400’000 MW
25 Years of WWEA: From 20’000 MW to 1’400’000 MW
On 1 July 2001, representatives of wind energy associations from around the world gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, to explore how to strengthen global collaboration and accelerate the growth of wind power as part of the transformation to renewable energy.
At that time, global installed wind capacity stood at just 20’000 MW. During the meeting, the delegates decided to establish the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) as a permanent platform for international cooperation, technology transfer, and the global promotion of wind power. One of WWEA’s first major initiatives was playing a core role in organizing the first World Wind Energy Conference, held the following year in Berlin.
Over the next two decades, hundreds of organizations from across the globe joined WWEA as members. The association worked to improve policy frameworks for wind energy at both the international level and in individual countries, helping nations on every continent develop and refine their wind power legislation. WWEA was also instrumental in the early establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
From the beginning, WWEA’s mission extended beyond sheer scale. The association was an early pioneer in advocating for decentralized energy solutions and made community engagement a cornerstone of its work.
Today, 25 years after its founding, WWEA celebrates a remarkable milestone: global wind capacity has grown from 20,000 MW to 1,400,000 MW – a 70-fold increase that underscores the association’s enduring impact on the global energy transformation.
Dr. Irfan Mirza, WWEA President:
As President of the World Wind Energy Association, it is my great honour to celebrate this remarkable milestone with all of you. Today, we celebrate not only 25 years of an organization, but 25 years of a global movement. We honour the pioneers, members, partners, and communities whose vision, passion, and dedication have made WWEA a truly global family.
Together, we have advanced wind energy across the world. Together, we will continue working towards a future powered by 100% renewable energy – creating a cleaner, greener, more peaceful, and more prosperous planet for future generations.
As we celebrate our journey, let us also embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. The first 25 years have inspired the world. Together, let us shape the next 25 years. Happy 25th Anniversary, WWEA!
Stefan Gsänger, WWEA Secretary General:
It has been a privilege, a pleasure, and an honor to collaborate with colleagues worldwide – growing the wind sector, deepening international cooperation, and supporting each other. Along the way, we have learned immensely about diverse cultures, perspectives, and countries. What began as a personal vision has evolved into a meaningful global network, now spanning 100 countries.
WWEA stands uniquely on the international stage, championing a citizen- and community-driven energy transformation and advocating for a 100% renewable future. As a founding member of the Global 100% Renewable Energy Platform, its impact is unparalleled.
Hon. Peter Rae AO, WWEA President 2015-2023:
Over 25 years, WWEA has driven remarkable progress in sustainable development and renewable energy, and I am proud that I have been part of this journey. These achievements include creating the REN Alliance of the worlds five major renewable energy associations and providing a founding and board member of REN21 and continuing membership of the Steering Committee, linked with the Energy Globe Awards and the founding and work program development of IRENA and the subsequent supporting of IRENA's work. We have enjoyed a good working involvement with the major international wind industry magazine Windtech International. We have taken a close interest in the progress achieved by the International Windship Association and warmly recognise their achievement. Most recently, we have seen a major development, some years in the making, in the establishing of the World Wind Energy Academy in partnership with the Chinese Wind Energy Association. Our members can certainly feel proud of what has been, and is being, achieved by their Association.
WWEA Founding Members:
Heinrich Bartelt, Germany:
Since its foundation WWEA has formed a large and successful international wind energy network. Together we supported effective political frameworks on renewable energies in all parts of the world. Today wind and solar are globally not only the most cost efficient energy sources but as well mayor factors for a more peaceful and climate protecting mankind
Dr. Everaldo Feitosa, Brazil:
Twenty-five years ago in Copenhagen, a group of wind energy pioneers, under the leadership of Hermann Scheer and Preben Maegaard, came together to found an association with a truly global vision – one that extended far beyond Europe and North America. Today, we can proudly say that this vision proved to be transformative. The World Wind Energy Association has helped inspire the worldwide expansion of wind energy, enabling countries such as Brazil to become global leaders in the transition to clean and sustainable energy. The friendship, shared purpose, and collaboration among the members of WWEA have made it possible to hold annual conferences in different regions of the world. This visionary approach, made possible through the tireless dedication of the Executive Team, has helped transform the way governments, industries, and society perceive renewable energy, fostering a truly global movement toward a sustain
Prof. Galal Osman, Egypt:
When WWEA was created, Egypt had an installed capacity of 69 MW, today it is 3 GW and around 10 GW are under construction or in the planning stage. WWEC2011 in Egypt in 2011 was strong message and wake up call for Egypt ian government. This development would not have been possible without strong International collaboration and I am very pleased that I was part of the founding group of our association from the very first beginning. Let us continue our successful WWEA work in the 25 years to come!
Prof. Choong-Yul Son, Republic of Korea:
It is a great honor for Korea to participate in WWEA's 25th anniversary celebration as a WWEA member country. Furthermore, in 2009, WWEC2009 was held in Jeju Island, which raised awareness of the importance of wind energy in Korea. As we know, WWEA capabilities contribute not only to wind energy but also to renewable energy development worldwide, which will play a role in passing on eco-friendly energy to the next generation.
Prof. Tanay Sidki Uyar, Turkey:
In 2001, Turkey had a wind capacity of around 20 MW. Thanks to the International collaboration, we could intensify our activities, which started even earlier with Sarigerme Wind Energy workshops and we held the World Wind Energy Conference 2010. The role of WWEA encouraged EUROSOLAR Türkiye to organize the annual International 100% Renewable Energy Conference IRENEC since 16 years. Today, Türkiye has an installed capacity of 15’000 MW.
25 Years of Achievements
2001
* Founding of the World Wind Energy Association
2002
* First annual World Wind Energy Conference held in Berlin
2003
* During the 2nd World Wind Energy Conference in Cape Town, the South African Government presented its first White Paper for Renewable Energy
2004
* Opening of WWEA's Head Office in Bonn
* The International Renewable Energy Alliance (REN Alliance) was founded
* China adopted its first Renewable Energy Law in 2005 as a consequence of the WWEC2004 in Beijing
2005
* WWEA launched the “Sustainability and Due Diligence Guidelines”
* Turkey introduced a Renewable Energy Law including a feed-in tariff
* WWEA launched the Small Wind and Hybrid Systems Working Group
* WWEA launched the first edition of its yearbook Wind Energy International
2006
* The International Geothermal Association joined the REN Alliance
2007
* WWEA obtained Special Consultative Status at the United Nations
* Second edition of WWEA yearbook Wind Energy International
2008
* The Ukrainian Parliament adopted a feed-in tariff
* WWEC2008 in Kingston, Canada, is the first ever international event fully dedicated to community power. As a result, the first feed-in law in North America was adopted a couple of months later: Ontario‘s Green Energy and Economy Act
2009
* The International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA was founded
* South Africa‘s National Energy Regulator introduced a system of feed-in tariffs
* The International Bioenergy Association joined the REN Alliance
* Third edition of Wind Energy International 2009/2010
* WWEA’s proposal for a Global Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) was discussed at the UN Climate Change Conference COP15 in Copenhagen
2010
* WWEA organised the first World Summit for Small Wind, in Husum, Germany
2011
* WWEA's Community Power working group agreed on the a definition of Community Power
* Pakistan announced its first Feed-in tariff programme for wind energy
2012
* WWEA published the first Small Wind World Report
* WWEA Small Wind Section was officially founded
2013
* The Global 100% Renewable Energy Campaign was launched
* WWEA formed the CIS Committee
* The first multilaterally financed feed-in tariff programme, GET FiT Uganda, was started, inspired by an idea developed by WWEA
2014
* WWEA re-launched its website
* The World Wind Resource Assessment Report was presented
* CAN International adopted the 100 % renewable energy target
* The COP20 Presidency branded the related WBA/WWEA Side Event as “Lima Climate Action Highlight”
2015
* WWEA is a Founding member of IRENA Coalition for Action
* Greenpeace International presented it first global 100 % renewable energy scenario, inspired by WWEA’s Global 100% RE campaign
2016
* International Symposium: Community Power – Regional and Global Community Wind
* Study: Community Wind threatened by discriminating policies
* 1st World Community Power Conference in Fukushima
2017
* Global 100% Renewable Energy Platform launched
* World Renewable Energy Community presents Global Renewable Energy Solutions Showcase on the occasion of COP23 in Bonn
* “Perspectives of the Wind Energy Market in Russia” launched
* WWEA Secretary General elected as REN21 Vice Chair
* 2nd International Community Wind Symposium 2017
2018
* WWEA/LEE NRW Community Wind Report published
* WWEA publication on key success factors for the uptake of wind power
* 2nd World Community Power Conference WCPC2018 in Bamako, Mali
* Community Energy Working Group of the IRENA Coalition for Action is launched, initiated by WWEA
2019
* WWEA leads multi-stakeholder consultation on new Renewable Energy Policy in Pakistan
* First WorldREnewDay is held
* WWEA publishes study on the impact of auctions on the wind power market
2020
* WWEA/LEE NRW: New Study: Women in Community Energy
* 3rd World Community Power Conference WCPC2020 “Women in Community Energy”
* IRENA Coalition for Action launches White Paper on Stimulating Investment in Community Energy
* Launch of #WWEAwebinars with 16 webinars organized in 2020, due to COVID-19
2021
* Fully virtual WWEC2021, in collaboration with TERI India
* WWEA publishes the WWEA's Wind Power Planning and Permitting Index
2022
* WWEA initiates Renewables4Ukraine
* Guidelines for improved participation of women in community energy published
2023
* WWEA initiates and chairs the Empowering People & Communities working group at the IRENA Coalition for Action
* Golden Planet Award for Renewables4Ukraine
2024
* WWEA re-launches its website and offers global statistics
* WWEA starts the WWEApodcast
2025
* WWEA Community Engagement Guidelines
* Launch of the World Wind Energy Academy