Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Sany is set to begin production in Europe by 2026 and is currently in advanced discussions with potential customers across the region, according to the company's Europe renewables manager.
This development comes as the European Union launched an investigation in April into the subsidies received by Chinese turbine manufacturers, highlighting concerns over China's role in Europe's renewable power sector.
Paulo Fernando Soares, Managing Director for Europe at Sany Renewable Energy, indicated that the company has narrowed down potential production sites to three, including Germany and Spain.
He anticipates finalizing the first European order by the end of this year. For initial orders, turbines will be shipped from China, with Sany providing services through European partners and its service center in Germany.
“We own a facility in Bedburg, Germany, and are capable of building an assembly line today,” Soares noted, while also acknowledging the complexities of navigating Europe's regulatory landscape, which he described as a “patchwork of permits, regulations, and requirements.”
Soares, who previously served as CEO of Siemens Gamesa's Onshore business in the Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of Chinese technology for Europe's renewable energy goals. “Without China, there is no energy transition in Europe. Today, European manufacturers cannot build turbines without Chinese components,” he stated.
To achieve the EU's renewable energy targets for 2030, Brussels estimates that at least 37 gigawatts (GW) of new wind power must be added annually, significantly more than the 17 GW added in 2023. “By 2030, Chinese companies will be fighting to be the top suppliers in Europe,” Soares added.
