Strategic spatial prioritization of wind power deployment for China’s carbon neutrality goals

Wind power critically supports sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG7 (clean energy) and SDG13 (climate action). China’s ambitious goal for developing wind power is to increase installed wind capacity (IWC) to 2500 GW by 2060. However, spatial priorities for optimizing wind power deployment remain unclear. We propose a Wind Turbine Suitability Index (WTSI) integrating spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of wind power development. Analysis reveals rapid growth in China’s IWC and historical observed wind power generation, with South China showing the most accelerated expansion. WTSI analysis indicates Northwest China, South China, and East China as top-priority regions because the proportion of priority areas reaches 30.26%, 19.82%, and 17.91%. respectively. We propose approximately 605.33 GW (530.81 ~ 671.29 GW), 475.66 GW (439.65 ~ 525.31 GW), and 460.29 GW (397.37 ~ 519.67 GW) of new IWC will be required in Northwest China, East China, and South China by 2060. Our results thereby provide compelling insights into the implementation of carbon-neutral wind power solutions.