Italy, a leading industrial nation with limited fossil fuel reserves, is accelerating its transition to renewable energy – especially wind and solar. The country aims to more than double its wind capacity from 13 GW to almost 30 GW within the next four years, a critical step toward energy independence and climate goals.

In this episode, we’re joined by Davide Astiaso Garcia, Secretary General of the Italian Wind Energy Association (ANEV) and Professor at Sapienza University in Rome. Together, we explore:

– The current state of Italy’s wind power market and its key players (investors, equipment suppliers).

The world faces another fossil fuel crisis, an escalating climate emergency, and slow progress in international climate negotiations. In response, the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands made history by co-hosting the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. Held in Santa Marta, Colombia, from 24-29 April 2026, the event brought together 57 fossil fuel-producing and consuming countries, alongside civil society, and energy experts, to develop a global roadmap for a just and equitable phase-out of oil, gas, and coal.

Stephan Singer, a senior climate advocate with CAN International (Climate Action Network), has been at the forefront of international climate and energy transformation for over three decades. In this episode, we explore:

– The significance of the Santa Marta Conference and its historic outcomes,

– The agenda, participating countries, and the "coalition of the willing" approach,

– The follow-up process, including plans for a second summit in Tuvalu and Ireland.

Can this conference accelerate the global transition to 100% renewable energy? And what does it mean that over 130 countries were not invited?

The United States pioneered modern wind power in the 1980s, briefly leading global installations in 2008–2009 before being overtaken by China. While the Inflation Reduction Act created new incentives for growth, the Trump administration has actively sabotaged progress – attempting to ban new wind farms and even paying companies not to build them.

Energy analyst Michael Barnard joins us to dissect the current U.S. wind market: How critical is wind energy today in the US? Who are the key players by region and company, what role do the states and local players have? And can states, municipalities, and businesses resist these political attacks to keep the wind power momentum alive?

2025 marked a historic milestone: For the first time, the world added 169 GW of new wind capacity in a single year – bringing wind power’s share of global electricity generation to over 11%. While China leads this expansion, dynamic growth is visible worldwide, with countries like Vietnam, Chile, and Turkey emerging as front-runners in wind energy adoption.

In this episode, WWEA President Dr. Irfan Mirza and Secretary General Stefan Gsänger discuss:

* The current global status of wind power and its market momentum.

* Key challenges – from policy frameworks to grid integration – and how to overcome them.

* The critical role of community engagement and strong political support in accelerating deployment.

With the right conditions, wind power – alongside other renewables – can dominate global energy supply, paving the way for a climate-friendly, peaceful, and prosperous future. To achieve this, the world must and can reach 10 million MW of installed wind capacity by 2050, enabling wind to supply up to 40% of global electricity demand.

Chile’s energy landscape is experiencing a profound transformation. Historically dependent on hydropower and imported fossil fuels, the country is now rapidly embracing renewable energy—particularly solar, wind, and storage technologies. This shift is unfolding within a highly liberalized market, where public regulations focus primarily on setting standards. As a result, Chile has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing wind power markets.

In this episode, Felipe Gallardo, Research Director at the Chilean Renewable Energy Association (ACERA), dives into the dynamics of Chile’s wind power sector. He discusses the key players, opportunities, and challenges shaping the market, and explains why meaningful engagement with Indigenous and local communities is critical for the sector’s success. Expanding the power grid and updating relevant legislation are also urgent priorities for the near future.

With a free and competitive wind power market, Chile is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goal of 100% renewable energy in the foreseeable future – opening the door to unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth.

Strategically positioned between Europe and Asia, Turkey has emerged as one of the Mediterranean region’s leading wind power markets. Driven by a growing population and a rapidly expanding economy, the country is accelerating domestic energy production – with wind power playing a central role in this transformation. Today, Turkey stands out as one of Europe’s most dynamic wind energy markets.

In this episode, Ibrahim Erden, Chairman of the Turkish Wind Energy Association (TÜREB), shares insights into the evolution of Turkey’s wind industry – from its early development to its current achievements and future ambitions. He discusses Turkey’s growing importance as both an attractive destination for wind farm investment and a manufacturing hub across the wind energy supply chain.

Where do the greatest opportunities lie? And what challenges must still be addressed to unlock the country’s full wind power potential?

Kazakhstan is widely known for its vast fossil and mineral resources, but the country is increasingly turning toward renewable energy – especially wind power. In this episode of the WWEApodcast, we explore the current state and future prospects of wind energy in Kazakhstan.

Our guest Arman Kashinbekov is CEO of the Association of Renewable Energy of Kazakhstan, shares insights into Kazakhstan’s energy transformation, the role of AREK, and the development of wind power from early beginnings to today’s rapidly evolving market. We discuss key market players, investment opportunities, remaining challenges, and the country’s long-term renewable energy ambitions.

This episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in emerging wind energy markets in Central Asia.

China has become the global leader in wind power, developing the world’s largest wind energy fleet within just two decades. At the 22nd World Wind Energy Conference (WWEC), delegates from 26 countries reviewed these achievements and discussed current challenges, with a strong focus on strengthening international collaboration to accelerate global wind power deployment.

In this episode, Qin Haiyan, Secretary General of the Chinese Wind Energy Association and Vice President of the WWEA, outlines key milestones of China’s wind industry and highlights major outcomes of WWEC2025, including the Global Wind Power Development Dialogue, the World Wind Energy Academy, the importance of good community engagement and China’s role in global wind power supply chains.

Argentina has some of the largest wind resources in the world, but only a small proportion of these are currently being used to generate electricity. Alongside other resources, the country has an abundance of renewable energy. Despite going through difficult economic times, Argentina has the potential not only to cover its own energy needs with domestic renewable energy, but also to start exporting hydrogen-based commodities and other energy intensive products.

Alejandro Gesino, the recently elected President of ALTEA (the Argentine Alliance for the Energy Transition), formerly the Argentine Wind Energy Association, explains the current status of the Argentinian wind power market, the barriers, and how demand for cheap electricity is driving new investment.

Small wind turbines could play an important role by reducing electricity prices for consumers and strengthening the security of the power supply. While many governments have not fully grasped the benefits of small-scale wind power, smaller businesses have emerged as a significant market segment for small wind turbines.

The Indian company Balaji Systems offers small wind turbines ranging from 100 Watts to 20 Kilowatts. In this talk, the company's founder, D. Kanagaraj, explains the market situation, as well as the main drivers and barriers for small wind. The company's main clients are small businesses in India, but there is also increasing interest in its products from outside the country.