US wind turbine order intake reached its highest level in three years in the second quarter of 2026, as developers sought to meet tax credit deadlines. Turbine orders totalled 2.8 GW, the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2023, while the SunZia project in New Mexico began operations, according to Wood Mackenzie’s US Wind Energy Monitor Q3 report.
With a capacity of 3.65 GW, SunZia accounted for most of the 5 GW of onshore wind capacity reportedly added to the US market in the second quarter. The increase in firm orders was largely driven by tax credit deadlines. Many developers placed turbine orders before 4 July to meet the construction-start requirements for qualifying wind projects, as tax credits are scheduled to expire at the end of the decade.
The five-year outlook for the US wind industry remains unchanged, with 39 GW of new onshore capacity expected by 2030. More than half of the project pipeline for 2026–2028 is already under construction or operational, limiting the risk of a near-term slowdown.
Texas is expected to remain the largest market for onshore wind over the next five years, accounting for nearly a quarter of new capacity. However, the western region is forecast to lead overall additions, with Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming expected to be the three largest markets.
Wood Mackenzie’s September 2026 repowering forecast was reduced by 1 GW compared with the previous quarter, reflecting lower-than-expected orders for repowering equipment. However, the 80/20 tax credit mechanism continues to support fleet renewal, alongside opportunities arising from decommissioning.
The outlook for offshore wind remains unchanged from the previous quarter, at 5 GW, with all expected capacity additions scheduled to come online by the fourth quarter of 2027. Construction activity continues, including turbine installation, foundation work and testing.
The relinquishment of offshore wind leases continued through September, bringing cumulative federal buyouts close to US$4 billion. Without stable long-term policy, offshore developers and financiers are expected to reduce their involvement in new US projects beyond 2027.
