Renewable wind energy is transforming power grids across the globe. Once considered a niche part of the world‘s energy mix, wind has established itself as a leading technology in the pivotal transition away from fossil fuels. Wind energy leaders manufacture, operate and maintain the turbines, components and wind farms delivering clean, emissions-free electricity at scale.
The expertise, infrastructure, supply chains and relative market share of the industry‘s top players makes them well positioned to shape the future as demand for wind continues its meteoric rise. So who exactly are the dominant wind energy companies to watch? Let‘s analyze the 12 largest wind energy companies pushing this renewable sector forward.
Brief Overview
The wind energy sector has seen exponential growth over the last twenty years. Global capacity topped 743 GW by 2020, supplying over 5% of the world‘s electricity demand.
Helping drive this immense growth are industry-leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) designing, building and delivering utility-scale onshore and offshore wind projects. Competition is heating up between multinational conglomerates, dynamic Chinese firms and pioneering wind startups.
Across the profiles of the top 12 companies below, common strengths emerge:
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Continual innovation – New turbine models with larger rotors, taller towers and advanced materials help improve capacity factors and durability while bringing down the levelized cost of wind energy
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Global presence – Manufacturing, installation and servicing capabilities span key markets across EMEA, Asia Pacific and the Americas
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Vertical integration – Control and expertise across the full value chain from components to plant operations
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Strong R&D focus – High investment in next-generation technologies including hybrid floating platforms and energy storage
So let‘s analyze in depth the 12 heavyweights leading the charge…
#1 – Vestas Wind Systems
Headquarters: Aarhus, Denmark
Founded: 1945
CEO: Henrik Andersen
Revenue: €14.8 billion
Employees: 29,000
Installed Capacity: 140 GW
As the world‘s largest wind turbine supplier for over a decade, Vestas Wind Systems consistently pushes industry boundaries. The Danish giant leads globally across new installations, servicing and offshore wind.
2021 was another growth year for Vestas, increasing net revenue by 17% to €15.6 billion. They shipped over 8.8 GW of total wind capacity spanning 2,500 wind turbines worldwide. To strengthen future offshore market share, Vestas acquired offshore project development specialist Ocean Winds and launched the massive 15 MW turbine platform.
Vestas operates an expansive global footprint across manufacturing, sales and service. Facilities range from blade factories in China, India and the United States to growing presence across European offshore. The world‘s first turbine plus hydrogen plant will also commence operations in Denmark during 2023.
Beyond ambitious net-zero targets for 2030, Vestas is helping partners pursue decarbonization. They work closely across public-private partnerships, aiding governments in countries like Vietnam establish regulatory frameworks to enable wind adoption.
#2 – Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
Headquarters: Zamudio, Spain
Founded: 2017
CEO: Jochen Eickholt
Revenue: €9.48 billion (2020)
Employees: Over 24,000
Formed in 2017 via a merger between Siemens Wind Power and Gamesa, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is a powerhouse in the wind turbine industry…
