Europe’s wind energy sector logged 5.8 GW of new turbine orders in the first quarter of 2026, according to WindEurope data. The figures point to continued investment activity even as ordering slowed moderately versus earlier periods.
UK, Germany and Turkey account for most contracted capacity
A large share of the new orders came from the United Kingdom, where offshore wind projects represented 2.8 GW. The UK recorded nearly 2.9 GW of total turbine orders across the quarter. Germany followed with 1.4 GW, while Turkey placed orders of 390 MW.
Despite solid overall volume, market activity eased relative to earlier benchmarks. Contracted capacity in Q1 2026 was 20% lower than in the final quarter of 2025. It was also 4% below the level recorded in the same quarter a year earlier.
During the quarter, 71 wind farm projects secured firm turbine supply agreements. Germany accounted for more than half of all contracted projects by number. Of the total capacity ordered, 5.5 GW was publicly disclosed.
Turbine suppliers and shifting unit sizes
Vestas remained the leading turbine supplier in Europe, capturing around 60% of announced orders. Nordex followed with a 32% share. Enercon, Goldwind, GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and EWT together accounted for the remaining market share.
The average onshore turbine size ordered reached 6.4 MW, a record level for five quarters. Offshore turbines averaged 15 MW. The figures reflect a shift toward larger-capacity equipment across both segments.
Operation and maintenance contracts feature in procurement
Operation and maintenance contracts were included in about 87% of ordered capacity. Projects totaling 1.2 GW included long-term maintenance arrangements lasting at least 20 years. This points to a continued emphasis on lifecycle service models within procurement packages.
Turbine ordering activity softened compared with late 2025, while offshore investment remained a key support for ordering levels. The quarter also reflected continued movement toward larger and more advanced turbine technologies within Europe’s wind sector.
