This section provides an overview for wind turbines as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 26 wind turbine manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked wind turbine companies as of November, 2024: 1.Primus Windpower, 2.New World Wind, 3.WEG Electric Corp..
Table of Contents
A wind turbine is a device that uses the force of the wind to turn its blades and convert that rotational power into electricity using a generator.
Unlike thermal power generation, wind power generators use only natural energy and are attracting attention as clean power generators. There are also offshore wind turbines, which are installed in the sea, providing more space than on land, and generating more stable power. They are mainly used in Europe.
Wind power generation is now a globally adopted power generation method. The countries with the largest amount of wind power generators are, from the top, "China, the United States, Germany, India, and Spain" (2017).
The ranking of wind power installations by prefecture is as follows: 1st: Hokkaido, 304 units; 2nd: Aomori, 253 units; 3rd: Akita, 210 units.
In Japan, wind power is supposed to generate 0.8% of the total amount of energy according to the 2019 Power Generation Survey. Wind power generation requires that the installation site be in an area with large tracts of land, where wind power is strong, and where there are few residents nearby due to noise and bird problems. Therefore, in Japan, where land is scarce, solar power is the most common method of generating electricity using natural energy, and land-based wind power is not very suitable.
This section describes how wind power generation works and the Principle of wind power generation. Wind power generation works by first capturing the force of the wind with large wings called blades, which return the wind coming mainly from the front to rotational force. The blades are then connected to a gearbox at the center, which uses gears to amplify the rotational force that is required for the generator. The rotational power transmitted from the gearbox is then converted by the generator and sent to the substation.
There are two types of wind turbines, depending on the direction of the blades: the horizontal-axis type and the vertical-axis type. The horizontal-axis type is a wind turbine with its blades perpendicular to the ground, while the vertical-axis type rotates parallel to the ground. Vertical-axis wind turbines are characterized by their low noise level compared to horizontal-axis wind turbines. However, because of its lower output, it is used in small-scale applications such as parks.
Wind turbines are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as follows: products with an output of less than 1 kW are classified as micro wind turbines, those with an output of 1 to 50 kW as small wind turbines, and those with an output of 50 kW or more as large wind turbines.
Small Wind turbines are defined as those with a wind-receiving area of 200 m2 or less and a propeller diameter of 16 m or less.
For large wind turbines with a rated output of 600kW, the tower height is generally 40-50m and the propeller diameter is 45-50m.
*As a rough guide, 40m is equivalent to a 10-story office building.
For large wind turbines with a rated output of 1,000kW to 2,000kW, the height of the tower is 60 to 80 meters and the diameter of the propeller is 60 to 90 meters.
*As a rough guide, 60m is equivalent to a 15-story office building.
Wind turbines can be installed in two main locations: onshore and offshore.
Onshore Wind turbines can be installed as long as there is a large area of land where winds of a certain speed (generally 6 m/year or higher) are blowing steadily.
In Japan, these systems are often installed in the Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu regions.
When installing in Japan, the challenge is not only to harmonize with the surrounding environment but also to be able to cope with typhoons and other weather conditions. When considering the installation of a small wind turbine, it is said that an area of approximately 130 m2 is required. It is important to consider the installation area, its location in relation to neighboring residences, the natural environment, and wind conditions.
Offshore wind turbines are wind turbines built on the surface of a lake or ocean to generate electricity.
Compared to land-based wind power generation, offshore wind turbines can generate more wind power in a more stable manner and avoid risks such as noise and human casualties. Wind turbines are installed not only on the sea but also in lakes, fjords, harbors, and other locations.
The biggest advantage of offshore wind power is that it can harness the power of the wind without occupying valuable land resources. In addition, offshore wind farms can be built in locations where wind speeds are strong, enabling them to generate high amounts of electricity. With research and development of renewable energy sources becoming more active, there are high expectations for offshore wind power generation as a power generation method that will play a key role in supplying energy for the next generation.
The growing popularity of offshore wind power is due to growing global interest in decarbonization, and Japan needs to increase its generation of renewable energy if it is to achieve the goal set in 2020 of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to virtually zero by 2050.
Generally speaking, renewable energy sources include hydroelectric power and solar power, but the amount of power generated by these sources depends on the amount of rainfall and sunlight (time of day), respectively. Wind power generation can compensate for the weakness of solar power generation because it can generate electricity stably even at night.
However, wind power generation cannot generate power during periods of low wind or when typhoons pass, so it is important to supplement it with other power generation methods rather than relying on one method alone. Increasing offshore power generation will help eliminate fossil fuel power plants and contribute to achieving the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to nearly zero by 2050.
The biggest disadvantage of offshore wind power is its high cost. The initial investment and maintenance costs for offshore wind power are much higher than for onshore wind power. Another disadvantage is the potential for negative environmental impacts. There are concerns about noise, deterioration of the landscape, and impact on marine life.
There are two types of offshore Wind turbines: the "implantation type," in which the generator is fixed to the seafloor, and the "floating type," in which the generator floats on the seafloor.
The implantable type is limited to shallow waters, but it is robust, and large generators can be installed. On the other hand, the floating type is limited in size and efficiency but can be installed in large numbers in any location.
In Europe and the United States, the implantation type is the mainstream. On the other hand, floating wind turbines, which have fewer restrictions on installation location, are beginning to attract attention in Japan because they can increase the amount of power generated by offshore wind turbines in deep water near the coast. The installation of floating wind turbines has many challenges in terms of cost and power transportation, and further research is needed.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Primus Windpower, based in Lakewood, Colorado, has been a manufacturer of air turbine devices since 1995. The products are Air Silent X, Air 30 Turbine, Air 40 Turbine, Air Breeze Turbine, and Air Max are offered and used in the environmental, telecommunication, security, marine, and cathodic protection sectors. The company provides turbine installation, maintPrimusenance, circuit & face bearing replacement, cleaning, and troubleshooting services. The firm offers a limited warranty of five annum and is CSA certified to UL and CSA standards.
SANY Group is a manufacturer of construction and industrial equipment founded in 1989 and based in Changsha, Hunan. The company specializes in heavy machinery including port and oil drilling machinery, construction and mining equipment, and onshore as well as offshore wind turbines. The company’s extensive product portfolio includes tunneling machinery such as mining trucks and roadheaders, pile drivers like diaphragm wall grabs and drilling rigs, and concrete machinery like mortar pumps and truck mixers. SANY Group’s clients include DHL, the Port of Rotterdam and the State Grid Corporation of China.
Wuxi Smaraad New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., established in 2015 with headquarters in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China, is a manufacturer of new energy systems and solutions. The company specializes in wind and solar-powered energy solutions as well as energy storage systems. Its products include wind turbines, solar panels, and off-grid converters. It also produces all the peripheral products needed to produce complete energy-generating systems, including controllers, power generators, and a range of energy storage containers. The company has completed various projects, including a 150-KW wind turbine system in Tibet, and its installed systems are suitable for domestic, commercial, and infrastructure-scale power generation.
NSK Ltd., based in Japan, is a manufacturer of precision bearings and motion control solutions which started its journey in 1916. The company has established itself as a major supplier for multiple industries, including automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace. Their extensive product portfolio encompasses ball bearings, roller bearings, and linear motion components. Their Motion & Control products and technologies support the motion that brings comfort and convenience in cars, planes, wind turbines, satellites, and almost anything with moving parts.
Zhejiang Windey Co., Ltd. is a China-based manufacturer specializing in wind turbine technology founded in 1972. It caters to industries such as renewable energy, electrical power generation, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, and green technology. The company's portfolio includes a range of cutting-edge wind turbine systems, wind farm solutions, and renewable energy services. Its turbine products are used to harness clean, renewable wind energy, aiming to achieve to sustainable electricity generation and reducing environmental impact.
Mingyang Smart Energy, established in 2006, is a manufacturer and supplier company in the renewable energy sector. It's headquartered in China and specializes in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of advanced wind turbines and renewable energy solutions. It offers a range of state-of-the-art wind turbines designed for both onshore and offshore applications, catering to the growing demand for clean energy sources. Its solutions depend of the customer's requirements and the environment. Some of its offers are Smart Wind Farm, Offshore Wind Power, Smart Energy, PV and Financial Capital.
Goldwind Science & Technology Co.,Ltd, established in 1985, is a manufacturer and supplier of renewable energy solutions. It specializes in wind power, internet of energy and environmental protection. It offers services such Clean energy planning and design solutions, Clean energy engineering construction and management solution, Clean energy smart operation and management solution. Its products catalog includes a Smart operation application management system, an Integrated energy and carbon management system, an Engineering management system, among others.
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy S.A.U. (formerly known as Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica S.A. and Grupo Auxiliar Metalúrgico S.A.), is a Spanish-German manufacturer engaging in wind engineering, founded in 1976 and based in Zamudio, Vizcaya, Spain. The company specializes in the wind power industry, offering renewable energy solutions through its onshore and offshore wind turbines. These turbines come in various configurations, tailored for low, medium, or high wind sites, featuring blade aerodynamics for efficiency, reduced levelized cost of energy (LCoE), and increased energy production. The company has installed wind turbines and performed services in numerous regions worldwide, including North America, France, and Japan.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., established in 1884 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of products, machinery, and operations. The company offers a wide range of products and machinery, including thermal power plants, nuclear power generation, rocket engines, home air-conditioners, and cargo ships. It also offers renewable energy power plants, marine vessels, centrifugal chillers, passenger ships, and space station rocket launchers. Its product features allergen clear operation, which works to deactivate any odor-causing bacteria, including mold and viruses. It has achieved Automotive SPICE Ver. 3 certification in 2018. It serves industries such as energy, marine, chemical, infrastructure, and more.
Envision Group, established in 2007 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in green and net-zero technologies for a sustainable future. Envision Group operates through four business units. Envision Energy provides smart wind turbines, green hydrogen solutions, and energy storage systems. Envision AESC specializes in AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things)-powered batteries. Energy Ventures is an investment arm that supports companies with a shared vision of sustainability. Envision Digital owns EnOS™, an AIoT operating system that offers connectivity, device management tools, and pre-built applications for decarbonization and digitalization to manage global energy assets.
GE Gas Power is an American manufacturer and supplier of alternative energy products and solutions established in 2015 as a business unit of the American multinational industrial company General Electric (GE). Headquartered in Schenectady, New York, the company produces steam and gas turbines, standard and heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), heat exchangers, and power plants for various applications. They also offer after-sale installation, repair, maintenance, and upgrade services for their clients. GE Gas Power runs the world’s largest base of operating gas turbines, with over 7,000 units installed across more than 120 countries.
WEG, founded on 16 September 1961, is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial and industrial electric motors, gearboxes, automation technologies, power generation equipment, and related equipment. Such products are used in the manufacturing of pumps, compressors, fans, and more. The company started with the motive of manufacturing electric motors, but soon it expanded its services to the manufacturing of electric and electronic components, industrial automation technologies, power and distribution transforms, etc. The company has been awarded various ISO certifications. Different companies, including PAUMAR, GEREMIA and 16 more, are affiliated with the WEG group.
Coreless Motor Co. Ltd. is based in Yamato, Kanagawa, Japan, and is a manufacturer of coreless motors and related components that was established in 2017 following the merger of M-Link Co. Ltd., IC Fan V-Tech Co. Ltd., and Coreless Motor Co., Ltd. The company’s product lineup includes coreless AC servo motors, coreless brushless DC motors, and coreless IC fan motors. It also offers custom design and development services, as well as opto-mechanical assembly and optical coating. The company chiefly serves client manufacturers of automobiles, aircraft, and heavy machinery.
Layer Electronics is a manufacturer of electronic systems and components established in 1967 and based in Sicily, Italy. The company’s products are designed to generate, store, and facilitate the flow of energy. This includes frequency converters, industrial uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, and wind generators. It also offers additional commissioning, installation, and maintenance services to its customers with unique project specifications. The company chiefly serves clients in the oil and gas, renewable energy, and the military sectors.
Suzlon Energy Limited, established in 1995 and based in Pune, Maharashtra, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of wind turbine generators. The company's product range includes S144 wind turbine generators, S133 wind turbine generators, S120 wind turbine generators, classic fleet, and wind power solutions. These products are utilized in the production of renewable energy. It serves industries such as renewable energy, wind power, EPC, wind turbine, and solar energy. The company also offers services like operations and maintenance, optimization & digitalization, and multi-brand O&M services.
Tianjin Galaxy Tech Co., Ltd., established in 2006 and based in Tianjin, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of permanent magnet generator (Include coreless generator) ,small and medium wind-generator. The company's product range includes variable pitch control wind turbines, horizontal axis series, vertical axis series, wind and solar hybrid systems, and controllers. These products are used in power plants, farms, coastal areas, and meteorological stations. It serves industries such as power generation, agriculture, coastal energy, and meteorological data collection. The company also provides wind power generation solutions, consultations to customers, product manufacturing, and after-sales service.
Vortex Bladeless S.L., founded in 2014 and headquartered in Spain, stands as a manufacturer and supplier of wind energy solutions. The company is at the forefront of developing bladeless wind turbines that offer a sustainable and efficient approach to harnessing wind power. It servse the renewable energy sector and sustainability-driven projects, providing eco-conscious and noise-minimized wind energy solutions. Its portfoio primarly offers bladeless wind turbines, which do not have the typical rotating blades and instead use vortex-induced vibrations to harness wind energy.
Aurea Technologies develops and manufactures portable renewable energy systems for the global market. The Shine Turbine, a portable wind turbine for charging handheld electronics, is the first of a series of portable wind turbines the company has developed to provide freedom from the electrical grid. Aurea was founded in 2017 and is based in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Nordex SE, established in 1985 and headquartered in Germany, is a company that specializes in the design, manufacturing, and global distribution of wind turbines. It provides customizable solutions like Cold Climate Packages & Anti-icing solutions, Tower Variants, The Condition Monitoring System, and others. It has a service landscape that provides packages to ensure that there is one to suit the specific needs of the customer's projects like 24/7 remote monitoring, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and a time-based availability warranty.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Primus Windpower |
13.0%
|
2 | New World Wind |
11.4%
|
3 | WEG Electric Corp. |
7.2%
|
4 | Uprise Energy, LLC |
6.5%
|
5 | NSK Ltd. |
4.9%
|
6 | SANY Group |
4.4%
|
7 | KESTREL RENEWABLE ENERGY |
4.3%
|
8 | Aurea Technologies Inc. |
3.6%
|
9 | Coreless Motor Co., Ltd. |
3.2%
|
10 | Zhejiang Windey Co., Ltd. |
3.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the wind turbine page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
China | 6 | 33.3% |
United States of America | 3 | 16.7% |
Japan | 2 | 11.1% |
Spain | 2 | 11.1% |
Italy | 1 | 5.6% |
India | 1 | 5.6% |
Canada | 1 | 5.6% |
Germany | 1 | 5.6% |
Denmark | 1 | 5.6% |