May Renewables - Wind
Riding on the wind of
renewable energy

The development of wind turbines for electricity generation began as early as the late 19th century. Fast forward to today, demand for electricity has never been more important, as power is needed to keep factories, offices, and homes running. Based on a 2023 annual report from a leading wind turbine manufacturer, wind energy was reported to contribute just 8% of global electricity generation1. While China saw a notable 8% year-over-year growth in onshore wind from 2023 to 2024, the rest of the world showed little to no progress2. Global growth remained sluggish, held back by weak demand for wind technology and ongoing challenges in the supply chain.

However, 2025 could be the year where renewable energy sources turn the tide from existing trends.

Muscle-Flex Expected from the Eastern Market
As Western wind turbine manufacturers form alliances with Chinese component suppliers to meet rising demand in emerging markets, Chinese OEMs are set to dominate the global wind supply chain in 2025. This bold expansion is driven by competitive pricing and strategic international investments, where higher-margin global project development helps to offset declining domestic turbine sales. With China accounting for 68% of the world’s wind turbine manufacturing capacity and expected to take up the same percentage in the global grid-connected volume by 2025, Western manufacturers would face challenges in strengthening supply chain ties with Chinese suppliers2.

Trends That Blow Winds of Change
Transitioning from Fossil Fuels with Renewable Energy
Wind energy is important in continuously shifting the world away from traditional coal and gas-fired power, as renewable sources remain a key pillar in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. With the rise of Electric Vehicles and data centres—both of which demand extensive electricity consumption—the need for clean, reliable energy sources is critical, further accelerating the addition of wind turbines3.

Advances in Turbine Technology
Wind turbine technology is evolving rapidly, with turbines becoming increasingly larger, more efficient, and capable of harnessing more energy even in areas with lower wind speeds. The development of 16 MW onshore turbines by a Chinese manufacturer, demonstrates the industry’s drive to push technological boundaries. Enhancements in blade design, the use of lightweight materials, and improved aerodynamics are further contributing to higher turbine performance4.

Onshore vs. Offshore

Onshore wind will continue to be the core technology in global wind energy deployment, due to its competitive pricing and the lower electricity costs generated compared to offshore alternatives3.

However, offshore wind is quickly gaining momentum. Global capacity additions are projected to hit 6 GW in 2025—a significant rebound after slower growth in recent years. Offshore wind offers more stable power output and leverages vast ocean spaces for installations. Innovations including floating wind turbines are also expanding possibilities, allowing development in deeper waters and opening doors for countries with limited shallow coastlines. China is leading this offshore charge, accounting for 65% of new offshore capacity additions worldwide2.


Potential Replacement of the Old Turbines

According to a recent report, the world’s wind turbine fleet is approaching the end of its operational life, drawing in significant investments in both repowering and decommissioning activities, with expected capacities of 4.6 GW and 4.3 GW respectively this year2.

With nearly 11 GW of onshore wind capacity reaching its 20-year mark, countries are prompted to rethink their strategies in opting for new investments to decommission some wind structures with newer installations.

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Remain Essential for Wind Energy
One of the biggest challenges with wind energy is its inherent intermittency caused by fluctuating wind speeds, which makes it difficult to match supply with demand. ESS address this concern by:
Stabilising Power Supply
Large-scale batteries can store excess wind energy during peak production and release it during low-wind conditions, keeping electricity flowing consistently.
Enabling Hybrid Systems
Combining wind energy with solar and ESS creates hybrid systems, delivering consistent power output.
Strengthening the Grid
ESS smooths sudden changes in power output, boosting grid reliability and reducing the need for fossil-fuel based reserve capacities.
LAPP’s Role in Powering Wind Energy

At LAPP, our commitment to innovation and quality has made us a trusted partner in the wind energy sector. With a comprehensive product portfolio and deep technical expertise, we work with market-leading companies across Asia, Europe, and the US, to provide reliable and sustainable solutions.

Explore how LAPP’s solutions are designed to meet the demands of wind turbines, and how we can partner with you to harness the “winds of change” toward a more resilient future.

Discover more in the
Wind Energy Application Guide
View our line card for more information
on LAPP’s renewable energy solutions

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