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The total installed capacity of wind power in
the world has already exceeded 100 gigawatts and is expected to
grow 20% next year. As the wind power becomes increasingly
efficient and the cost of energy approaches conventional power
sources, wind power companies are becoming more profitable as
they grow larger. The stress on alternative sources including
wind energy by governments of many countries will also help them
grow tremendously in the future. Companies with strong research
and development will grow while others may be left on the
sidelines. It is important to gain an insight into the wind
power companies in Europe, US, India and China to understand
where the future lies.
With the advent of ‘Wind Energy’ as one of the most easily
available and cost-effective power resource of all the
alternative forms of energy, many companies worldwide have
started manufacturing, research and development in wind-power
based equipment. Since Barack Obama visited a wind-power related
company two days ago, the equity markets are rife with
speculation that the policies of the new administration will
definitely favor wind-power related corporate and they make a
worthwhile investment for the future. Already the new stimulus
package to be announce in U.S. points that alternative sources
of power will be encouraged. |
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Traditionally Dutch
companies were considered to be frontrunners in the wind-power
business, followed by British companies, since the concept of
wind-mills and later generators evolved in these regions faster
than others. However as with many manufacturing sectors,
developing countries like India and China are having some
companies which are rapidly growing and highly profitable, being
innovative at the same time. It is being speculated that
domestic Chinese companies will grow substantially making China
the topmost Wind-turbine manufacturing country by 2009 end.
The major Chinese wind power companies are – Gold Wind, which
has been the market leader in China and Sinovel. According to
GWEC, 17-19 Gigawatts were added to the total wind power
capacity worldwide mainly by Denmark’s Vestas which is now the
biggest wind power company, Spain’s Games, General Electric of
USA, India’s Suzlon and Enercon of Germany. Companies like
Siemens too have a presence in the sector.
Though the wind power business is developing rapidly in Europe,
India, China and partly U.S., it has hardly any presence in
Latin America, Australia and Africa. The annual growth rate of
companies in these countries would be around 25%. However the
current credit crisis has definitely affected these companies
heavily as they heavily depend on credit and government
subsidies.
The investment by local organizations, regions or groups in wind
energy has decreased due to the credit crunch, as noted in 2008.
However, it is expected that by 2009 end the sector will start
growing again by leaps and bounds. The further growth of wind
power companies will depend upon the perception regarding the
entire sector, held by not only the government of different
companies but also the local people. It is noteworthy that in
countries from Spain to China, wind turbines have been seen as a
symbol of technological prowess.
For more information about wind power companies:
How I home-built an electricity producing Wind turbine
Small Wind Turbines
Wind Power Generator
New Options for Home Wind Power |
