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Wood Mackenzie reports 2.8 GW of Q2 U.S. wind orders; 2030 outlook is a forecast

The October 26 report puts second-quarter turbine order intake at 2.8 GW and forecasts 39 GW of onshore new-build capacity by 2030. Orders, installed capacity and a multi-year forecast are different measures.

By Greener Numbers Editorial Team · Published October 27, 2026 · Updated 10/27/2026

Wood Mackenzie's October 26 release says U.S. firm wind-turbine order intake reached 2.8 gigawatts in the second quarter of 2026, its highest level since the fourth quarter of 2023. The release accompanies the firm's U.S. Wind Energy Monitor Q3 report. Its publication date should not be confused with the quarter measured.

The research firm attributes much of the order activity to developers seeking to meet tax-policy construction deadlines. That is the firm's market explanation, not project-specific tax advice or confirmation that every order qualifies for a credit.

The release separately reports 5 GW of onshore wind additions during the second quarter, including the 3.65 GW SunZia project in New Mexico. Capacity added and turbine orders are different measures; the 2.8 GW order figure is not the total of new generation already operating.

Wood Mackenzie forecasts 39 GW of onshore new-build additions by 2030. It says more than half of the 2026-2028 pipeline is already operating or under construction. A pipeline and forecast still carry completion, policy and market risks and should not be presented as guaranteed future electricity production.

The firm expects Texas to account for nearly a quarter of onshore additions over the next five years, while Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming lead its western-region outlook. These are market projections rather than new approvals for specific projects.

Its offshore outlook remains 5 GW, with those additions expected by the fourth quarter of 2027. The release does not establish a household bill reduction or promise that order growth will translate one-for-one into installed capacity. Readers should keep orders, operating additions and the forecast period attached to each number.

Official source: woodmac.com ↗