22nd World Wind Energy Conference – Shantou, China | 3–5 December 2025
Empowering the Future with Wind Energy: Innovation, Collaboration & Sustainable Growth
The 22nd World Wind Energy Conference (WWEC 2025) proudly welcomed 1,500 delegates from 26 countries, representing wind, solar, hydro, and other renewable energy sectors. The global participation reaffirmed the conference’s role as a leading platform for advancing renewable technologies, policy development, manufacturing, R&D, offshore and small wind solutions, integrated systems, community involvement, and socioeconomic progress.
The Conference extended sincere appreciation to the Government of China, the city of Shantou, Guangdong provincial authorities, IRENA and its Coalition for Action, the International Solar Energy Society, the World Bioenergy Association, REN21, the Global 100% Renewable Energy Platform, Energy Watch Group, media partners, sponsors, and all contributors who made this international gathering possible.
WWEC 2025 emphasized that the climate, energy, and security crises—driven largely by fossil and nuclear dependence—demand an urgent global transition to 100% renewable energy. A renewable-powered world promises sustainability, resilience, and equitable opportunities for all.
A key highlight was the Shantou Dialogue, which underscored the necessity of strengthened international collaboration. The Conference endorsed the commitments expressed in the Shantou Declaration, calling for:
- Robust global growth and expanded worldwide manufacturing capacity
- Fair, resilient, and unimpeded international supply chains
- Strong local value creation and community-centered benefits
- Infrastructure aligned with global logistical needs
- A permanent platform for continuous global dialogue
WWEC 2025 welcomed the formation of the Global Wind Power Development Dialogue, a new mechanism for ongoing cooperation.
The Conference applauded the launch of the WWEA Community Engagement Guidelines, developed by the WWEA Community Engagement Council, marking a milestone for global best practices in community participation. Delegates repeatedly emphasized the central role of citizens and communities in accelerating the energy transition through community energy and energy cooperatives—vital for fostering socioeconomic benefits, reducing energy poverty, strengthening democratic participation, and scaling renewable deployment.
The establishment of the China (Shantou) Offshore Wind Industry Global Service Hub and the announcement of the World Wind Energy Academy were celebrated as transformative steps for global supply chains, workforce development, and professional training.
WWEC 2025 also acknowledged global efforts to enhance the Wind Archiving initiative and appreciated the IRENA Coalition for Action’s Community Energy Working Group for presenting the new repowering report.
The Conference concluded by honouring the recipients of the World Wind Energy Award—the Shantou International Wind Energy Innovation Port, Mr. Shi Lishan, and Mr. Bi Yaxiong—for their exceptional contributions to wind power advancement in China and worldwide.
Shantou, 5 December 2025
WWEA Launches Global Community Engagement Guidelines
Shantou/Bonn – 5 December 2025
During WWEC 2025, the World Wind Energy Association unveiled its groundbreaking WWEA Community Engagement Guidelines, designed to set international standards for transparent, fair, and effective engagement with communities near wind energy projects.
Recognizing that public acceptance and equitable benefit-sharing are essential for sustainable sector growth, the guidelines outline best practices across all project phases—planning, construction, operation, and decommissioning. They were developed by the WWEA Community Engagement Council, comprising experts from:
- Enercon (Germany)
- Eolica (Brazil)
- EVK (Germany)
- HellwegWind (Germany)
- Renewable Resources (Pakistan)
- Windey (China)
- Windpark Druiberg (Germany)
- Windplus (India)
- Advisory: Monica Oliphant (Australia)
These guidelines—available in full and summary versions—serve as a global benchmark for responsible development.
WWEA President Dr. Irfan Mirza
Dr. Mirza emphasized that meaningful community engagement is now a critical success factor for renewable energy projects, affecting both social acceptance and financial viability. He expressed hope that the guidelines will soon become a core requirement in due diligence processes for lenders and development institutions.
WWEA Secretary General Stefan Gsänger
Gsänger highlighted the broad benefits of wind energy—cleaner environments, stable energy prices, job creation, and domestic energy security—and stressed the need for communities to experience these gains firsthand. The guidelines aim to foster trust, counter misinformation, and support faster global growth of wind energy.
Download the Guidelines:
- Full Version https://wwindea.org/ss-uploads/media/2025/11/1764156745-1d2e2af2-5694-4364-b087-a3dd16c6ec20.pdf
- Summary Version https://wwindea.org/ss-uploads/media/2025/11/1764156745-e02db723-b32d-4c78-abd4-cfa7146b54a9.pdf
