Wind Energy Update: Goldwind unveils offshore wind farm plans

Although Goldwind plan to move into the offshore market, the research and development manager, Ku Wai, does not believe the offshore wind turbine sector is ready to meet the demand. He explains that “the technical supply chain for offshore in China is not there”. To address this issue Goldwind plan to source 50% of its components from outside of China, because of the better technology and experience in other regions. Ku Wai explains that this will boost foreign sales.

This will increase European sales, but for suppliers to win the contracts with Goldwind, like other wind turbine manufacturers, a supplier must fit a specification. To understand what Goldwind look for in a supplier, specifically offshore, read the case study.

Although Goldwind plan to go offshore in China, Kai says there are still a lot of risks. “We shouldn’t rush offshore in China. Europe has built up a systematic material industry chain and a very strong technical understanding of each component. This is why most Chinese OEM’s are outsourcing their manufacturing and design”.

In this case study by Wind Energy Update, it is becomes clear that the Chinese industry should not be seen as a threat to the European supply chain. In fact it should be seen as a business opportunity. If European suppliers lean on their past experience it should put them at the top of the supplier list for these growing Chinese wind turbine OEMs.

To understand more about your Asian competitors, align your company with their offshore plans and understand what Chinese OEM’s are really looking for in a supplier get the case study here – www.windenergyupdate.com/supply-chain/content10.php

If you would like to see the full report on the offshore supply chain, with great insight from other world leading Wind turbine manufacturers, see WEU’s Offshore Wind Supply Report 2011-2012. Get the selected findings here – www.windenergyupdate.com/offshore-wind-turbine-report/preview.shtml