Siemens replaces Chinese firm; Germany frets over China’s growing wind power strength!

But in early March, Germany’s Handelsblatt published an analysis report on the project by the German Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (GIDS), a research institute under the German Federal Ministry of Defence. The report warned that using Chinese wind turbines poses 'serious risks'—including political influence, espionage via sensors, acquisition of security protocols, and potential disruption of energy supply—and must therefore be 'prevented'. Subsequently, politicians from Chancellor Merz’s CDU, the SPD, and the Greens called for a ban on using Chinese wind turbines for the project. In June, Germany’s Federal Network Agency introduced new regulations imposing stricter controls over critical energy infrastructure. Handelsblatt reported that Luxcara had repeatedly emphasized that monitoring, control, and maintenance of the turbines would take place entirely in Germany, and pledged that all data connections would remain within Germany. The company stressed that all critical components—including control systems—would be supplied by European manufacturers. Nevertheless, Luxcara ultimately decided to switch to Siemens equipment. 'When asked about this, the German government claimed it had not influenced the decision,' wrote Die Welt. Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action 'noted Luxcara’s reserved agreement with Siemens regarding the planned Waterkant offshore wind farm,' while the office of Minister Robert Habeck downplayed the matter, stating: 'This is a private company’s decision—we refrain from commenting, as always.' Clearly, this response lacked credibility. Anyone with insight knew exactly what had happened. The article analyzes that the German government’s denial of any involvement is unsurprising: if Mingyang lost this crucial contract due to political decisions in Berlin, it would further complicate the resolution of Sino-European trade disputes—and could prompt China to retaliate, escalating the trade war further. At the same time, without affordable clean energy technologies from China, the wind and solar expansion pursued by German policymakers would be economically unfeasible. In the solar sector, Chinese manufacturers hold over 90% of global market share. Even wind turbines assembled in Europe often contain more than 60% Chinese components. Thus, trade disputes in energy technology could derail Germany’s—and indeed Europe’s—ambitious expansion plans. Currently, six Chinese manufacturers rank among the world’s top ten wind turbine makers—only Denmark’s Vestas, Spain’s Siemens Gamesa, Germany’s Nordex, and U.S.-based GE Vernova remain competitive. In response, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) addressed journalists’ questions on 27th regarding security concerns and supplier selection in Germany’s wind power market, pointing out that attempts to portray Chinese clean-tech companies as 'security risks' are repeatedly made—but lack factual basis.

Chinese firm secures first major German wind power contract; Siemens leads warnings; EU launches investigation

Offshore wind business along Europe’s coasts has long been dominated by Western manufacturers—but Chinese enterprises are now increasingly entering the market with attractive terms and competitive technologies. According to Politico Europe on the 10th, renewable energy developer Luxcara signed a contract last week with a Chinese firm to install 16 Chinese wind turbines in Germany—the first such deployment in the country. European manufacturers including Siemens have voiced concern over intensifying competition from China, while the European Commission has launched an investigation into Chinese wind turbine companies. 'We are the first—but certainly not the last.' Last Tuesday, Hamburg-based German renewable energy developer Luxcara announced it had reached an agreement with China’s Mingyang Group to construct 16 offshore wind turbines in the North Sea by 2028. Specifically, these large turbines feature rotor diameters of 260 meters and individual capacities of 18.5 megawatts, scheduled for installation by 2028 at the Waterkant offshore wind farm near the island of Borkum in the North Sea. When asked about the partnership, Luxcara’s CEO, Ms. Bernstorff, told Handelsblatt: 'Given the strong global expansion of offshore wind capacity, we needed to understand what products Asian suppliers can offer—and whether they meet our requirements in terms of technology, quality, safety, and performance.' Cost-effectiveness was evidently assured. Bernstorff stressed that price was 'not the decisive factor in our decision': 'Mingyang is the only company offering—and capable of delivering by 2028—a 18-megawatt system.' This illustrates the dilemma facing Europe’s wind industry: clearly, there is no way around China. 'We are the first—but not the last—to commission a Chinese manufacturer to build a wind farm,' Bernstorff stated. Matthias Matthisen, project manager for the Waterkant wind farm, added: 'By selecting the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbines, we will accelerate Germany’s energy transition while fostering urgently needed competition in the sector.' Other German wind farm operators are also negotiating with Chinese suppliers—including RWE, the Essen-based energy company. 'This is an excellent opportunity to build relationships,' said Sven Utermöhlen, head of RWE Offshore, explaining that demand for wind turbines is high while European supply remains limited. Luxcara, as investor, stated there was simply 'no alternative' but to cooperate with Chinese manufacturers. Warnings from European peers—including Siemens Luxcara’s announcement came three months after the EU legislature approved the Net-Zero Industry Act, designed to safeguard the EU’s market share in key clean-tech sectors such as wind and solar power. 'Through this project, China could build Germany’s critical infrastructure,' remarked a spokesperson for WindEurope—the Brussels-based wind industry lobbying group—adding, 'European supply chains are already ready to provide wind turbines for this project.' At a heated meeting in Brussels in mid-May, Andreas Nauen, CEO of Siemens Gamesa Germany, requested a meeting with Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to raise awareness of what he considers a critical issue: China’s imminent entry into constructing North Sea wind farms.

German Wind Industry Faces €5.6 Billion Threat from China

1 day ago

A Nordex-commissioned study warns Germany risks losing €5.6 billion and 55,000 jobs to Chinese wind turbine competitors, who hold a 35% cost advantage backed by heavy subsidies.

bloomberg

2026-11-05

German Wind Industry Faces €5.6 Billion Threat from China

German Wind Industry Faces €5.6 Billion Threat from China

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