Is the allegation true that China manufactures wind power equipment for the world but uses little of it domestically? Science and Technology Daily reporters spoke with leading industry players and the facts gathered reveal a different story: China not only uses its wind power equipment extensively and effectively but is also driving the global green energy transition.

The first trading day of October saw China’s A-share wind power sector surge, with the share prices of leading wind turbine manufacturers collectively leading the rise, demonstrating the strong development momentum of China's wind power industry.

According to data from the National Energy Administration, in the first half of this year, 51.39 gigawatts (GW) of newly grid-connected wind power capacity were added. By the end of June, the nation’s cumulative installed wind capacity had reached 573 GW, a year-on-year increase of 22.7 percent.

Furthermore, wind power generation hit 588 billion kilowatt-hours in the same period, up 15.6 percent year on year, with a national average utilization rate of 93.2 percent.

This growth exemplifies a journey from being a technology follower to becoming the industry leader.

From follower to leader

At the Zhuangyuan'ao Port in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province in east China, the construction of a deep-sea industrial cluster that will integrate the entire wind power industry chain is in full swing. It will be a key support for China's offshore wind power to move toward the ocean.　

Windey Energy Technology Group Co., a key enterprise in this sector, has witnessed and led this development.

“Without independent innovation, there would be no wind power in China as it is today,” said Luo Yongshui, assistant general manager of the company.

Windey Energy Technology has launched landmark products like the world's largest onshore turbine and a massive deep-sea floating wind turbine platform, constantly pushing the technological frontier.

In 2024, China added 79.8 GW of new wind power capacity, accounting for 68.2 percent of the global total. This means that for every three new turbines installed worldwide, nearly two are in China.

From near-shore to high seas

The recent Super Typhoon Ragasa served as an acid test. All 1,345 offshore wind turbines of the Mingyang Smart Energy Group operating in the South China Sea maintained stable operation, demonstrating the resilience of Chinese technology.

While China's near-shore development potential is significant, the deep-sea potential is three to four times greater.

“China is a vast country with diverse terrains and landscapes. Especially when dealing with some extreme environments, we need to continuously enhance our hard power,” said Ye Fan, vice president of Mingyang Smart Energy.

From domestic strength to global benefit

Chinese wind companies are also making their mark abroad. The Envision Group recently partnered with Australian iron ore producer Fortescue to supply 132 MW of wind turbines and a full-chain solution for a major wind project in western Australia's Pilbara region.

“In international projects, we hope that through technological innovation, residents around the world will have the opportunity to use green electricity... aiding the energy transition processes of relevant countries,” said Lou Yimin, senior vice president of the Envision Group.

Since 2010, China's annual newly installed capacity of wind power has consistently ranked first in the world, developing into the world's most complete supply chain system. Chinese wind turbines have been exported to over 40 countries and regions around the world, providing significant support for the stable development of the global wind power industry.