Global wind turbine order intake has achieved remarkable growth in the first half of 2023, reaching a total of 70GW, marking a substantial 12% increase compared to the previous year, according to a comprehensive analysis by Wood Mackenzie.
A significant driver behind this surge in activity has been the surge in orders from regions outside of China. Notably, these regions witnessed an impressive demand of more than 25GW, representing an astounding 47% year-over-year increase during the first half of the year.
North America has played a pivotal role in this global wind turbine order surge. Orders in this region reached a staggering 7.7GW, a remarkable fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2022, where the total stood at 1.9GW. Notably, two offshore orders accounted for a substantial 49% of the total order capacity.
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However, it is important to acknowledge that China continues to be the largest market for wind turbines, with a significant 44GW of order activity during this period. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that demand in China remained relatively flat year-over-year.
In terms of monetary value, these orders accounted for a substantial $25.3 billion in the second quarter of 2023 and a cumulative $40.5 billion during the first half of the year.
Luke Lewandowski, Vice President of Global Renewables Research at Wood Mackenzie, expressed optimism about the trend, stating, “We've seen strong demand outside of China this year, which is really encouraging. Supply chain challenges remain, but conditions have improved enough to spark procurement decisions.”
Lewandowski further noted, “Momentum from the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S. has helped to motivate order activity, although increasing clarity and market certainty will drive an even larger volume. China's intake continues to be incredibly impressive as well, even with activity remaining flat through the first half of the year. Demand in the global offshore market, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, has been one of the main drivers of this growth.”
The offshore wind sector has been a standout performer, with offshore order intake surging by 26% year-over-year in the first half of the year, reaching a record 12GW of activity, which constituted 17% of all order capacity. Quarterly data reveals an even more impressive figure, with offshore order capacity surging by 48% year-over-year, totaling a record-breaking 9.1GW.
See also: Germany's Renewable Energy Consumption Reaches 52.3% in the First Half of 2023
This remarkable growth in the offshore sector propelled Siemens Gamesa to claim the top position in new order capacity across both the onshore and offshore segments, boasting an impressive 5.9GW. The company also achieved a quarterly record in offshore intake with its SG 14.X DD turbine.
Goldwind secured the second-highest total order intake activity in the second quarter, with a notable 4.9GW. This data underscores the robust and evolving landscape of the global wind turbine industry, driven by both onshore and offshore demand.
