Goldwind makes move on 'strategic hub' Turkey with new deals
Chinese wind turbine maker strengthens its position in one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy markets with deals that could ruffle German feathers
Goldwind has struck two agreements with power companies in Turkey – currently a stronghold for German rivals Nordex and Enercon – as the Chinese turbine-making giant looks to consolidate its presence in a “strategic hub” on Europe’s doorstep.
This week it has announced signing two agreements with power companies in Turkey, including a memorandum of understanding with local renewables developer IC Enterra Yenilenebilir Enerji.
That agreement will see the companies work on projects both in Turkey and internationally, with Goldwind writing on LinkedIn that it marks a “major advancement” in its overseas localisation strategy.
Wang Hai, general manager of Goldwind International, said that Turkey is a “strategic hub connecting Eurasian energy markets, and its renewable energy goals align perfectly with Goldwind’s global vision.”
Cem Aşık, CEO of IC Enterra said the partnership will accelerate Turkey’s “green energy transformation” and that the two companies will deliver “internationally competitive benchmark projects that benefit both regional economic growth and environmental protection.”
Goldwind has also inked a cooperation agreement with Entek Elektrik, a subsidiary of Turkish industrial company Tüpraş.
As part of that deal, Goldwind will supply 14 of its 7.5MW turbines for the Buyukkisla wind project, with a total capacity of 105MW. Goldwind said these would be the most powerful wind turbines deployed in the region.
These are not Goldwind’s first dealings in Turkey. In 2022, it shipped 17 of its 6MW turbines for a 102MW wind project in the country.
The latest deals will see Goldwind increasingly move into what has traditionally been a stronghold for German turbine makers Nordex and Enercon, who have benefited from their country’s strong trading partnership with Turkey.
Goldwind will 'increase price pressure' on Nordex and Enercon
The Goldwind deals represent a "notable breakthrough" for the turbine maker in a market "historically dominated by Western manufacturers," said Marc Hamer, a former CFO of Nordex's international division who is now a managing partner of consultancy Greentech Partners.
Through its turbine supply deal, he said Goldwind is "set to install a turbine featuring a larger rotor than those currently offered by its Western counterparts, showcasing technological ambition. While concerns about quality and service persist, a realized project will enable stakeholders to form an informed, experience-based opinion."
"Turkey also offers strong potential for local value creation: the domestic wind sector has built significant expertise, and locally produced components are already widely used by Western OEMs for European projects. Goldwind could tap into this existing ecosystem."
"Nordex and Enercon are very strong in Turkey and have good customer relations," said Hamer, adding that he is not therefore worried for them. But having Goldwind in the market, given its ability to deliver turbines on the cheap, "will definitely increase price pressure."
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