Abstract Wind energy has gained significant support to be one of the primary sources of near-zero-emission energy systems. Based on the technological paradigm theory and employing a novel data analysis system (DAS), this paper provides an overview of wind energy technological developments. With key energy law and policy decisions highlighted, the visualization process clearly identified the three technological paradigmatic stages; competition, diffusion and shift; from which it is found that wind-based hybrid energy systems appear to give better promising trajectory in the future than wind energy technologies that rely only on onshore or offshore winds. However, with market maturation, the challenges associated with increasing share, energy storage, motivational conflicts, demand responses and optimal scheduling emerge and are expected to be resolved. From the paradigm shift investigation, a comprehensive sustainable framework for a six-stage hybrid wind-photovoltaic energy system is proposed. Recommendations on policy shifts to encourage technological innovation, regional differentiation, improve monitoring & evaluation systems and the implementation of smart grid are also given to address the incentives that need to be provided.