Spain plays a significant role among wind turbine manufacturers in Europe, standing alongside Denmark and Germany in influence and output. Yet the European wind sector faces a widening challenge from two vast players that are extending their reach beyond their borders: China and India. Spain has been one of the nations most affected by this shift, highlighted in recent analyses that spotlight the growing impact of Asian producers on European export markets. The Wind Cooperation initiative, on behalf of Deloitte, has explored these dynamics to understand how Spain fits into a broader European strategy for wind energy.
During a recent presentation, the president of a key Spanish industry body acknowledged that the Chinese wind industry has steadily expanded its market share at the expense of European manufacturers. The 2022 export activity for Spain reached 2.512 billion euros, with a large portion representing goods, equipment, and services. Earlier figures from 2006 are used as a reference point in some discussions, underscoring a trend of shifting export values over time.
Global data show a 28.9 percent decline in wind turbine exports from 2021 to 2022. Within Europe, the rate of substitution has accelerated as providers from Asia increase their influence across markets. This pattern signals a broader transition in the sector as European manufacturers face intensified competition on multiple fronts.
Industry leaders argue that the solution is not simply to cut prices but to offer more value through advanced capabilities. Three years ago the emphasis on innovation and development was clear, and the call for greater financial capacity to invest in R&D remains central. The sector has weathered a perfect storm in recent years, with a series of pressures that have affected margins and investment capacity.
The onset of the pandemic caused widespread disruptions to shipping and contractual obligations, while raw material costs rose under inflation. In 2022, new geopolitical tensions and energy shortages added further pressure on prices, creating a challenging environment for Spanish wind manufacturers. Nonetheless, expectations point to a recovery and renewed profitability in the near term as the market stabilizes.
New criteria in tenders
Competition from Asian products remains a critical concern for European policymakers and industry leaders. The presidency of the Council of the European Union, held by Spain, has prioritized the strategic autonomy of the continent. The durable European Union initiative outlines plans to reduce dependence on external suppliers by 2030, with the aim of safeguarding energy security and economic resilience in the face of external shocks.
In parallel, Europe is negotiating the Net Zero Emissions Directive, a framework that seeks to balance economic and environmental goals across member states. The agreement under discussion emphasizes not only the price of bids but also the broader quality attributes of offers. Social, environmental, and innovative features are increasingly integral to tender evaluations.
The intergovernmental pact contemplates allowing member states to apply criteria beyond price in renewable energy tenders. There is a proposal to cap the annual auction volume weighting at a fixed percentage to prevent excessive reliance on low-cost foreign inputs. Spain has taken a proactive step by incorporating a similar constraint into its eighth anti-crisis decree, setting a maximum weighting on energy tenders to encourage higher European production relative to imports from non-EU suppliers.