The growth rate of the worldwide wind capacities dropped from 19% in 2012 to 12% in 2013. By the end of 2013, an accumulated capacity of approximately 315.6 GW had been installed worldwide.

This reduction was mainly the result of developments in the US market, which crashed from 13 GW in 2012 to 1.1 GW in 2013. Industry observers say the slide was specifically triggered by the late extension of the tax credits.

Outside of the US market, the worldwide installed capacities were on a similar level as 2012. The added capacities in Europe, South America, Oceania and Africa remained stable; Asia profited from an buoyant Chinese market. Germany, the largest European market, generated 2,998 MW onshore and 240 MW offshore capacities. This marked the second-largest growth rate since 2002, when 3,247 MW in new wind capacities were realized.