Goldwind
Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd., commonly known as Goldwind, is a Chinese multinational corporation engaged in the research, development, design, manufacture, and sale of wind turbines, as well as providing wind power services and farm development solutions.[1][2] Founded in 1998, Goldwind originated from early explorations in wind energy in Xinjiang dating back to the 1980s and has since expanded into a global leader in clean energy technologies, with operations spanning manufacturing, services, and project development across multiple segments.[3][4] The company achieved a major milestone in April 2023 by becoming the first Chinese wind turbine manufacturer to exceed 100 GW of cumulative global installed capacity, underscoring its dominance in the sector with leading new installations, such as 11.36 GW in 2022 alone.[5][6] Listed on both the Shenzhen and Hong Kong stock exchanges, Goldwind has been recognized for its innovations in direct-drive permanent magnet technology and contributions to renewable energy growth, positioning it as China's top wind turbine producer and a key player worldwide.[7][8]History
Founding and early growth (1998–2007)
Goldwind, officially Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd., was founded on February 17, 1998, in Urumqi, Xinjiang, by Wu Gang, with the aim of developing domestic wind turbine manufacturing capabilities in China.[2] [9] The company emerged from earlier state-backed initiatives under China's High-Tech Research and Development Program (863 Program), building on the predecessor Xinjiang Wind Energy Company established in 1986, which had utilized a Danish government grant to assemble imported wind turbines for the Dabancheng wind farm.[10] [11] Initially state-owned and supported by government policies promoting renewable energy self-sufficiency, Goldwind focused on research and development of wind power technologies to reduce reliance on foreign imports.[12] [13] In its early years, Goldwind prioritized technology acquisition and localization. By 2000, it became the first Chinese wind turbine manufacturer to obtain ISO 9001 certification, enhancing its operational standards.[11] The company established China's first large-scale wind turbine assembly plant in Xinjiang in 2002, enabling domestic production of smaller units such as 600 kW and 750 kW models.[13] [12] A pivotal advancement occurred in 2003 when Goldwind licensed permanent magnet direct-drive (PMDD) technology from the German firm Vensys, introducing this efficient, gearless design to the Chinese market and laying the groundwork for higher-capacity turbines.[12] Growth accelerated through 2005–2007 as Goldwind deployed its first 1.2 MW PMDD turbines, marking a shift toward independent innovation and larger-scale operations.[13] This period saw the company solidify its position in China's burgeoning wind sector, supported by national policies favoring local manufacturers. In 2007, Goldwind conducted an initial public offering on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, transitioning from full state ownership and funding further expansion with private capital.[12] By the end of this era, Goldwind had pioneered key aspects of China's wind turbine industry, contributing to the country's early wind power capacity buildup while emphasizing integrated manufacturing and technology transfer.[8] [13]Expansion and globalization (2008–2015)
In February 2008, Goldwind acquired a 70% stake in German wind turbine manufacturer Vensys Energy AG for €41.24 million, securing access to permanent magnet direct-drive (PMDD) technology and establishing an initial European manufacturing and R&D foothold.[14][15] This move accelerated Goldwind's technological independence and supported exports by integrating Vensys's direct-drive designs into its portfolio, contributing to the company's rise to ninth place among global wind turbine manufacturers that year.[11] Goldwind conducted its initial public offering on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in early 2008, raising CNY 1.8 billion (approximately $250 million) to fund capacity expansion and international ventures.[16] In October 2010, it followed with a secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising HKD 7.1 billion (about $915 million), which bolstered its balance sheet for overseas projects amid China's push for renewable exports.[17] These listings, combined with a $6 billion low-interest loan from the China Development Bank in 2010, provided capital for scaling production to over 6 GW annually by 2011 and pursuing global market share, elevating Goldwind to fourth worldwide by 2010.[11] The company entered the U.S. market with a 4.5 MW pilot project in Pipestone, Minnesota, operational in January 2010, demonstrating PMDD turbine reliability in North American conditions.[18][19] This paved the way for the 109.5 MW Shady Oaks wind farm in Illinois, where Goldwind supplied 71 turbines (initially 1.5 MW models); construction began in 2011, with full commissioning in early 2012 after securing a power purchase agreement.[18][20] Shady Oaks marked Goldwind's first utility-scale U.S. deployment, later sold to Algonquin Power in 2013 while retaining operations and maintenance responsibilities.[21] By 2012, Goldwind expanded into Southeast Asia, signing turbine supply contracts for regional projects, leveraging cost-competitive PMDD units to penetrate emerging markets.[22] In 2013, it achieved commercial certification for its 1.5 MW turbines in North America via independent verification, enabling further U.S. contracts like a 10 MW addition to Shady Oaks using 2.5 MW models.[23][24] These efforts diversified Goldwind's revenue beyond China, with international installations reaching several hundred MW by 2015, though domestic subsidies and low-cost manufacturing remained primary drivers of its global ascent.[25]Recent developments and challenges (2016–present)
In 2016, Goldwind reported 6.4 gigawatts (GW) of newly installed wind capacity worldwide, capturing a 12% global market share, driven primarily by strong domestic performance in China where it led installations with 6.3 GW.[26][27] The company diversified into offshore wind and larger turbine models, including permanent magnet direct-drive (PMDD) platforms exceeding 10 megawatts (MW) per unit, while expanding operations beyond China through supply contracts in markets like Thailand (100 MW total across three projects), Ethiopia (51 MW wind farm), and the Philippines (132 MW Pasuquin project).[28] By 2023, Goldwind demonstrated advancements in offshore technology by installing a 16 MW prototype turbine in China, achieving grid connection in a record 24 hours and featuring a rotor swept area of approximately 50,000 square meters capable of generating 34.2 kilowatt-hours per revolution.[29] International expansion accelerated in the early 2020s, with Goldwind entering advanced negotiations for a turbine manufacturing facility in Brazil in 2022, culminating in the opening of its first factory outside China in Bahia in August 2024, projected to create 500 jobs and localize production for Latin American markets.[30][31] In 2024, the company secured contracts in emerging regions, including Oman's Riyah 1&2 project—its first in the country—and expanded into Morocco, the Philippines, Georgia, and Namibia, reaching operations in 47 countries across six continents by early 2025.[32][33] Technological innovations included the development of 76-meter blades for U.S. projects and full polyurethane blades up to 64.2 meters in collaboration with partners like Covestro and LZ Blades, alongside integration of Infineon power modules to enhance grid-forming capabilities and energy efficiency in turbines.[34][35][36] These efforts supported global offshore wind ambitions, with Goldwind forecasting market expansion by hundreds- or thousands-fold over coming decades.[37] Goldwind encountered challenges from geopolitical scrutiny tied to its origins in Xinjiang, where Western reports alleged potential forced labor links in the supply chain, prompting concerns in markets like the U.S. despite the company's 2020 supply of turbines for a Microsoft-powered clean energy project.[38][39] In July 2023, Goldwind rebranded by removing "Xinjiang" from its official name to emphasize global ambitions and distance from regional associations.[40] Trade barriers added pressure, including 2022 European Union anti-dumping duties on Chinese fiberglass imports—critical for turbine blades—which raised costs for suppliers and indirectly affected Goldwind's competitive positioning in Europe.[41] Legal disputes emerged, such as a 2023 U.S. federal lawsuit by Avanzalia Solar against Goldwind USA for alleged tortious interference in a Panama substation access deal, which proceeded to trial in 2025 after courts rejected exhaustion of administrative remedies.[42][43] Despite these hurdles, Goldwind sustained operational momentum, with external turbine sales reaching 2.59 GW in Q1 2025 (up 80% year-over-year) and total revenue surging 71% in H1 2025 amid China's record 51.4 GW grid connections.[44][45]Business Operations
Manufacturing facilities and supply chain
Goldwind operates multiple manufacturing facilities primarily in China, with a reported total of 14 centers—including two under construction as of recent corporate disclosures—capable of producing over 4,000 wind turbines annually.[46] Key production sites include a base in Shantou for advanced components such as nacelles for large-scale offshore turbines, where production of parts for a 22 MW model with a 300-meter rotor diameter began in December 2024.[47] Additionally, in November 2023, the company announced plans for an offshore wind power equipment base in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, valued at approximately USD 840 million, aimed at enhancing capacity for coastal and export-oriented production.[48] In August 2024, Goldwind inaugurated its first manufacturing facility outside China in Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil, spanning 50,000 square meters with over 10,000 square meters dedicated to production, targeting the South American market and marking a step in international localization.[49] This plant assembles turbines for regional projects, including a debut order secured in December 2024.[50] No dedicated factories exist in North America or Europe, though the company has explored domestic sourcing in the US to circumvent tariffs on Chinese imports amid geopolitical tensions.[51] The company's supply chain encompasses affiliated entities and third-party providers for wind turbine components, raw materials, and services, spanning procurement, manufacturing, and logistics.[52] Goldwind emphasizes a "green" supply chain framework, integrating sustainability across design, procurement, and delivery to minimize environmental impacts, though specific supplier names remain undisclosed in public reports.[53] As a leading global turbine supplier—holding the top position by installations in 2022 despite chain disruptions—the firm relies heavily on China's domestic ecosystem for cost-competitive sourcing of blades, towers, and generators, with vertical integration in core technologies to reduce external dependencies.[54] Challenges include vulnerability to regional raw material shortages and international scrutiny over origins in Xinjiang, where early operations were based, potentially linking to broader human rights allegations addressed in separate disclosures.[40]Global markets and projects
Goldwind has expanded its operations to 47 countries across six continents as of September 30, 2025, with a focus on supplying turbines and services for onshore and offshore wind projects outside China.[55] The company's overseas order backlog reached 7,360 MW by June 30, 2025, reflecting sustained demand in emerging markets despite geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains.[45] Key regions include Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, where Goldwind has secured contracts emphasizing cost-competitive turbines like the GW155 and GW165 series. In Southeast Asia, Goldwind entered the Philippine market with its first project announced on May 6, 2024, prioritizing regional partnerships for green development.[56] In Thailand, it supplied turbines for four wind farms totaling 286 MW under a September 25, 2025, agreement with Gulf Energy Development, including grid connection of initial units at the Theppana Wind Farm.[57] Offshore expansion includes installation of the first turbine at Vietnam's Tra Vinh 1-4 project on October 4, 2025.[58] Middle Eastern and African projects highlight Goldwind's scale in utility-scale developments. In Oman, it contracted for the 234 MW Riyah 1&2 wind farm— the country's largest—on May 20, 2025, projected to cut CO2 emissions by 740,000 tons annually.[59] Egypt's 500 MW Red Sea Wind Farm, featuring 84 GW165-6.0 MW turbines, achieved commercial operation on April 21, 2025, following the first turbine erection in December 2023.[60] [61] In Africa, the GOSII project—Africa's largest operational single-site wind farm—entered commercial operation six months ahead of schedule on April 21, 2025.[62] In other regions, Goldwind signed a 206 MW contract for Georgia's Ruisi wind project near Gori on August 7, 2024.[63] Uzbekistan features a deal for 111 GW155-4.5 MW turbines with Masdar, marking one of its largest single orders.[64] Latin American efforts include multiple projects in Brazil's Ceará, Piauí, and Bahia states as of May 9, 2024, alongside turbine installation completion at Japan's Yotsukura project.[65] [66] New market entries in 2024 encompassed Morocco, Georgia, and Namibia, supporting broader global installation growth.[33]Wind farm development and services
Goldwind participates in wind farm development by investing in and owning projects, such as the acquisition of the 530 MW Stockyard Hill Wind Farm in Victoria, Australia, from Origin Energy in 2017, which was intended to become the country's largest upon completion.[67] The company also develops multi-energy bases integrating wind, solar, and storage solutions, alongside source-grid-load-storage systems to optimize clean energy output and grid integration.[68] In parallel, Goldwind provides engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for onshore wind projects, covering the full lifecycle from site planning and design through installation and commissioning.[69] These turnkey offerings extend to international markets, including turbine supply, construction, and commissioning for four wind farms in Thailand under a 2025 agreement with Gulf Energy Development.[57] For ongoing operations, Goldwind delivers intelligent operation and maintenance (O&M) services leveraging AI-driven platforms for predictive maintenance, fault diagnosis, spare parts logistics, software upgrades, and turbine remanufacturing.[70] As of 2024, the company's global O&M capacity surpasses 93 GW, supporting over 55,000 installed turbines with digital tools for performance optimization and asset management.[71] These services emphasize reliability in diverse environments, as demonstrated in projects like the 200 MW Eternity Wind Farm in Canada, where Goldwind handled construction and initial operations.[72]Products and Technology
Core turbine technologies
Goldwind's core turbine technologies center on permanent magnet direct-drive (PMDD) systems, which eliminate the gearbox by directly coupling the rotor to a permanent magnet generator with a single moving part in the drivetrain.[73] This design, supported by a full power converter, optimizes rotor speed and energy conversion while avoiding rotor winding losses and mechanical friction associated with traditional geared or doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) systems.[73] [74] As a result, PMDD turbines achieve higher power efficiency, reduced maintenance requirements, and turbine availability exceeding 99%, contributing to lower lifetime ownership costs through shorter service cycles.[74] [73] Complementing PMDD, Goldwind integrates smart turbine features leveraging advanced sensing and machine learning for enhanced operational intelligence.[75] Smart sensors provide precise detection of environmental conditions and turbine states, enabling self-adjustment, adaptation, and control via machine learning algorithms that process perceptual data in real-time.[75] These capabilities extend to coordinated decision-making across individual turbines, wind farms, and grid systems, optimizing power generation, grid compliance, and profitability in complex scenarios.[75] [74] The combination yields turbines with superior efficiency, reliability, and grid-friendliness, including strong low/high voltage ride-through and zero grid impact during operations.[74] Over two decades of refinement have positioned these technologies for deployment in diverse onshore and offshore environments across more than 40 countries.[74] Goldwind supports these innovations through extensive R&D, including over 7,600 patent applications and annual investments exceeding 2.8 billion CNY as of 2024.[76]Key product models and innovations
Goldwind's turbines primarily employ Permanent Magnet Direct-Drive (PMDD) technology, which eliminates gearboxes and associated mechanical losses, enabling higher efficiency, reduced maintenance needs, and availability exceeding 99% through fewer components.[73][74] This gearless design converts wind energy directly via permanent magnets, minimizing rotor winding losses and supporting adaptability to varied wind regimes and grid conditions with features like high/low voltage ride-through and zero-impact power flexibility.[73][74] Key onshore models include the 3.0 MW PMDD turbine, optimized for utility-scale projects with smart sensing and controls for enhanced energy yield; the 4.0 MW GW4S, featuring a gearless drivetrain and high grid adaptability; and the 5.0 MW GW5S, designed for reliable performance in diverse terrains.[77][78][79] Offshore innovations extend to larger capacities, such as the GWH252-16MW model with advanced deep-water capabilities and the 22 MW turbine rolled out in December 2024 at the Shantou facility, boasting a 300-meter rotor diameter and 147-meter blades for deep-sea deployment at 50-70 meters depth, with installation planned for early 2025.[80][81] Innovations emphasize smart turbine integration, including AI-driven controls for predictive maintenance, digital twin simulations via tools like Simulink for scenario testing and energy optimization, and steel-concrete hybrid towers for cost-effective scalability.[82][76] These advancements support grid-friendly operations and higher annual energy production in complex environments, positioning Goldwind's portfolio for both onshore reliability and offshore expansion.[74][83]Financial Performance
Revenue trends and profitability
Goldwind's revenue experienced volatility from 2020 to 2022, peaking at approximately RMB 66.7 billion in 2020 before declining to RMB 52.6 billion in 2022 amid intensified competition in China's wind turbine market and adjustments in domestic renewable energy policies that reduced subsidies and installation rates.[84][85] Revenue rebounded to RMB 50.5 billion in 2023 (up 8.7% year-over-year) and further to RMB 56.5 billion in 2024 (up 12.0%), driven primarily by growth in wind turbine generator (WTG) manufacturing sales, which rose 18.2% to RMB 38.9 billion in 2024.[81][86] In the first half of 2025, revenue surged 71% year-over-year to RMB 28.5 billion, reflecting accelerated domestic installations and improved order fulfillment amid recovering global wind capacity additions.[45] Profitability has remained modest, characteristic of the capital-intensive wind industry with thin margins pressured by raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, and pricing competition from domestic rivals. Net profit attributable to owners fell from RMB 3.5 billion in 2021 to RMB 2.4 billion in 2022 and RMB 1.3 billion in 2023, yielding net margins of around 3-5%.[87] Recovery ensued in 2024 with net profit rising 40% to RMB 1.9 billion (net margin 3.3%), supported by gross margin expansion to 13.7% from 12.6% in 2023, particularly as WTG manufacturing gross margins flipped from -0.3% to 4.9%.[81] For H1 2025, profit before tax increased to RMB 2.1 billion from RMB 1.8 billion year-over-year, with comprehensive profit margins at 15.4%, though operating margins hovered near 4-5% amid ongoing investments in R&D and capacity expansion.[88][45]| Year | Revenue (RMB billion) | Net Profit Attributable (RMB billion) | Net Margin (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 66.7 | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | 50.6 | 3.5 | ~7 |
| 2022 | 46.3 | 2.4 | ~5 |
| 2023 | 50.5 | 1.3 | 2.6 |
| 2024 | 56.5 | 1.9 | 3.3 |
Market position and competitive analysis
Goldwind maintained its position as the world's leading wind turbine manufacturer by new installations in 2024, deploying 19.3 GW of capacity globally amid total industry additions of approximately 121.6 GW.[90][91] This performance represented a market share of roughly 16%, driven primarily by dominance in China's onshore wind sector, where domestic installations accounted for the bulk of its volume.[92] The company's scale stems from vertical integration in manufacturing and a focus on cost-efficient, high-volume production of turbines suited to low-wind-speed sites prevalent in China.[93] In competitive terms, Goldwind outperformed international rivals such as Vestas and Siemens Gamesa, which saw declining shares due to higher production costs and supply chain disruptions in Europe and North America.[94] For the first time, the global top three spots were held by Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)—Goldwind, Envision, and Mingyang—reflecting China's control of over 60% of worldwide turbine supply through aggressive pricing and state-supported scaling.[95][92] Western competitors, burdened by stricter labor and environmental regulations, have struggled to match these economics, leading to market contraction outside Asia; for instance, European OEMs retained only about 92% share within Europe but lost ground globally.[96]| Manufacturer | 2024 New Installations (GW) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Goldwind | 19.3 | Cost leadership, onshore focus in Asia[90] |
| Envision | ~15-18 (estimated second) | Offshore capabilities, export growth[92] |
| Mingyang | ~10-12 (estimated third) | Offshore specialization[95] |
| Vestas | <10 (declining) | Established service networks in West[94] |