Goldwind
| Company type | Public (transitioned from state-owned enterprise in 2007) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wind turbine manufacturing, Renewable energy |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Wu Gang |
| Headquarters | Beijing , China |
Area served | Worldwide (Asia, Europe, Americas) |
Key people | Wu Gang (founder) |
| Products | Permanent magnet direct-drive wind turbines, Battery energy storage systems, Green hydrogen and green methanol products |
Number of employees | 10,000+ |
Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd., commonly referred to as Goldwind, is a Beijing-based Chinese multinational specializing in wind turbine manufacturing. Transitioning from a state-owned enterprise in 2007, its principal shareholders now include Hexie Health Insurance, China Three Gorges Renewables Group, and the National Social Security Fund—state-affiliated organizations collectively holding close to 40% of the company's shares. The founder, Wu Gang, who is affiliated with the Communist Party, also held a position in the 12th National People's Congress.
In 2016, Bloomberg New Energy Finance placed Goldwind third worldwide in the production of both onshore and offshore wind turbines.
History
The origins of Goldwind trace back to Xinjiang Wind Energy, which was established through a $3.2 million grant from Denmark aimed at constructing China’s inaugural wind farm at Dabancheng. This project commenced in 1989 featuring thirteen 150 kW turbines supplied by Danish manufacturer Bonus Energy.
Wu Gang founded Goldwind under China’s 863 Program with state financial support. The company inaugurated its first assembly facility in Urumqi and entered into a technology transfer partnership with German turbine maker Vensys.
Goldwind acquired permanent magnet direct-drive (PMDD) technology from Vensys in 2008. By the following year, the workforce had grown to approximately 1,500 employees.
In 2010, the company obtained a $6 billion low-interest loan from China Development Bank to fuel its growth initiatives.
By 2015, Goldwind had ascended to become the world’s largest manufacturer of wind turbines, although it was overtaken by Vestas in 2019.
Current status
For fourteen consecutive years up to 2024, Goldwind has maintained its position as China’s foremost wind turbine producer, consistently capturing between 20% and 25% of the domestic market. In 2022, it reclaimed the global top spot by surpassing Vestas. In 2024, Goldwind installed a total of 18.7 GW worldwide, including 2.5 GW outside China, securing roughly 15% of the international market across 38 countries. Its cumulative installations exceed 140 GW globally, with more than 10 GW deployed beyond China’s borders—primarily located in Australia (around 2 GW), Brazil (over 1 GW), Chile, the United States, Pakistan, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, South Africa, and Thailand.
The company is advancing into integrated energy solutions that combine solar power, wind energy, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Its BESS division produces battery storage products while its Green Chemical segment focuses on manufacturing green hydrogen and green methanol.
Operations
Goldwind’s operations span Asia, Europe, and the Americas with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees and an installed capacity approaching 140 GW globally. The enterprise emphasizes research and development alongside manufacturing and marketing large-scale wind turbine generators.
Its primary product lines include:
- Permanent Magnet Direct-Drive (PMDD) turbines: international models such as GW136 4.8MW, GW155 4.8MW, and GW165 6.0MW.
- Medium Speed Permanent Magnet (MSPM) turbines: global models including GWH170 7.2MW, GW171 6.0MW, GWH175 7.8MW, GWH6.2 MW, and GWH182 8.0MW.
Within China’s domestic market, Goldwind offers turbines equipped with rotors exceeding 190 meters in diameter.
Regarding offshore wind energy as of 2024:
- The primary offshore turbine model is GWH252-16GW.
- A new offshore prototype model GWH300-22MW is slated for installation in 2025.
Beyond manufacturing turbines, Goldwind provides technology services related to wind power as well as project investment opportunities and technology transfer support.
Goldwind Americas operates out of Chicago with an employee base of approximately one hundred (as of mid-2020) and has installed close to 500 MW of PMDD turbines across the United States. It acquired two projects in Texas totaling around 300 MW between 2016 and 2017; upon completion, these will represent Goldwind’s largest projects within the US market. In addition, in 2017 it secured $140 million through US tax equity financing from Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Citi for the Rattlesnake Wind Project—marking the largest US-origin financial backing for a Chinese turbine manufacturer. Goldwind Americas also manages operations in Panama (Penonome I & II wind farms totaling 270 MW) as well as Chile.
Goldwind Australia owns and operates renewable energy assets including both wind and solar farms throughout Australia.
Products
Goldwind's production commenced in 1998 with the Jacobs 43/600 and 48/600 turbine models, which were derived from German designs created by aerodyn Energiesysteme GmbH. These turbines with geared drive systems later advanced into the Jacobs 48/750 series and additional Goldwind variants developed collaboratively with aerodyn.
At present, Goldwind focuses solely on manufacturing permanent magnet direct drive (PMDD) turbines. This technology was adopted through its affiliate and subsidiary Vensys Energy, with the VENSYS 62 model having been in operation since 2004.
PMDD models exceeding 1000 kW
- 1.5 MW
- 2.0 MW
- 2.5 MW
- 3 MW (S) (suitable for both onshore and offshore applications)
- 4.8 MW
- 6 MW (including offshore variants)
- 10 MW (offshore use)
Former generation models under 1000 kW
- 600 kW series
- 750 kW series