Wind Tower Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Steel Tower, Concrete Tower, and Hybrid Tower), By Installation (Onshore and Offshore), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global wind tower market size was valued at USD 22.65 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 24.30 billion in 2022 to USD 40.65 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with wind tower experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a growth of 37.8% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Wind towers can be defined as giant structures that support wind turbines and their constituents. The tower clutches the rotor and nacelle of the turbine as well as wires the blades to clear the ground safely. The wind turbine is placed at an optimal height to produce electric power from the wind. Governments worldwide are widely promoting wind power as a substitute for conventional energy resources, positively inducing the product demand.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Market Growth Slightly Impacted Due to Disturbances in the Timeline of Planned Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic has not significantly affected the market as the installation has increased substantially in the years 2020 and 2021. The global wind tower market has seen record-breaking capacity installation in 2020 and 2021. However, in several countries, including China, the renewable industry largely depends on imports from other countries. Most U.S. wind raw materials and components are imported from China and Europe.

Due to lockdown in multiple countries, major wind equipment makers such as G.E., Xinjiang Goldwin, and Hybrid Tower faced production shutdowns, causing huge backlogs and delays in order fulfillment. According to WindEurope, wind turbines experienced a decline of 30% in 2020.

LATEST TRENDS

Increase in Power Consumption to Boost Product Demand

The global population is growing abruptly and the penetration of electronic gadgets is growing; this further increases the demand for constant power supply. Growing industrialization also increases the power demand. Growth in various activities such as infrastructure development and commercial and residential construction works further boosts the electricity demand.

To fulfill such demand, the government is looking for cost-effective emission-free solutions such as wind and solar. This increases the installation of wind energy across the globe to produce electricity to overcome the increasing global demand.

Due to stringent government norms regarding Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, companies are more inclined to use renewable energy sources for power generation, particularly wind power. Several countries have targeted to reach net-zero emissions by 2030, which also increases the installation of wind energy globally.

DRIVING FACTORS

Favorable Renewable Energy Policies & Rising Investment in Wind Energy to Drive Market Growth

The growing environment protection regulations propel the power generation industry to shift to cleaner and environment-friendly energy resources. Several countries across the globe are focusing on developing renewable energy power generation to reduce their dependence on conventional sources such as fossil fuels for power generation. In recent times, it has been observed that investments in wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources are increasing continuously.

One of the primary drivers of the wind tower market growth is the crucial part played by government initiatives and policies. In numerous countries such as Germany, the U.K., the U.S., Japan, and China, policies such as feed-in tariffs, tax credits, net metering, and capital subsidies are the key energy policies explicitly geared toward wind tower.

For instance, in the U.S., the Federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC), a corporate tax incentive, allows the owners of new wind energy systems to receive tax credits worth 30% of the facility's value. Such indicated stimuli will allow the wind energy sector to grow significantly globally. Hence, the product demand is expected to increase.

Rising Installation of Renewable Resources for Power Generation to Augment Market Growth

The transition toward decarbonizing power generation by embracing eco-friendly and clean energy technology is projected to drive the market. In association with leading private entities, various countries ensure to achieve renewable energy goals by consistently installing renewable energy systems. Due to environmental regulations, numerous companies are using renewable energy sources for power generation, particularly solar and wind power. This is expected to augment market growth.

According to the International Energy Association (IEA), in 2021, wind electricity generation increased by a record 273 TWh. This was 45% higher growth than in 2020 and was the highest among all renewable power technologies.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuating Prices of Steel to Hinder Market Growth

Steel is a significant raw material used for manufacturing wind towers. Fluctuating steel prices are hampering market growth. With steel being the world's most traded metal, the price volatility is hampering various end-use industries. Thus, price fluctuation affects the production costs and influences global market growth.

Moreover, steel prices are volatile so the final product cost may increase or decrease. For example, the cost of the raw material will increase the manufacturing cost, thus increasing the cost of the final product. According to General Steel Corporation, steel prices increased by 3% in 2020, and in 2021 steel again increased by 4.10%. Also, the company's financial performance may be adversely affected due to this fluctuation, restraining the market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Concrete Tower Segment to Dominate the Market Due to Lower Cost and High Strength

Based on type, the market is segmented into steel tower, concrete tower, and hybrid tower. The concrete tower segment held a majority of the market share in 2021 owing to its various benefits including project cost and modularity reduction. The market well understands this material. Towers hold up to 20% of the total costs of a wind turbine, and the use of concrete towers helps reduce the sufficient cost of a wind farm. These towers have high strength, require low prices, and the material needed to build these towers is generally available locally.

The hybrid tower segment is expected to expand significantly in the coming years owing to the rising trend for composite materials. These types of materials can provide the benefits of two materials in one. These towers are lighter in weight also.

By Installation Analysis

Offshore Segment to Grow at Commendable Rate Due to Low Carbon Emissions

The market has been divided into onshore and offshore based on installation. The onshore segment held a dominant share of the market in 2021. The onshore segment shows low carbon emissions and economic cost structure compared to other segments. Globally, more than 72 GW of new wind power projects were installed onshore in 2021.

The offshore segment is likely to witness growth at a languid pace owing to high focus and installation toward the onshore wind. The offshore wind farm installation cost is significantly higher than the onshore wind farm. The emergence of floating offshore wind is also a critical factor in driving growth of the offshore segment.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Geographically, the market has been analyzed across five main regions, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific is expected to lead the global wind tower market share during the forecast period. The region is leading in onshore wind installation. Major countries such as China, India, and Australia are witnessing higher demand for energy due to rapidly growing industrialization and urbanization. China leads the market owing to rising installation of renewable energy.  

Europe is another major market for wind towers. Also, it is the leading region in offshore wind installation. Rapidly increasing installation of wind farms and favorable government regulations are the major factors driving the market growth in Europe. The governments in the region are also focusing on improving wind installation and this is another factor boosting market growth.

North America is estimated to witness significant growth in the market during the forecast period. Along with the high installation of wind energy, the region has the presence of several known tower manufacturers. The rising focus on increasing renewable dependency boosts the market share in North America.   

The declining cost of wind power generation and rising investments in renewable energy generation in Latin America & the Middle East & Africa are expected to drive the market growth for wind capacity installation, which is proportional to wind tower installation.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Players Concentrate on Enhancing Product Portfolios and Acquisitions to Strengthen Geographical Presence

Various key players operate with local, regional, and international footholds across the market. Different companies emphasize on manufacturing products with even higher power density and efficiency to enhance their global position. Additionally, numerous participants are producing F.C. stacks at the regional or local level. For instance, in April 2022, Doosan Wind Tower Co., Ltd. announced its strategic partnership with HyAxiom and Ballard Power Systems to develop PEM (proton exchange membrane) hydrogen wind tower mobility applications initially focused in South Korea.

• In February 2022, Ceres Power Holdings Plc announced a three-way collaboration between Weichai Power of China and Robert Bosch GmbH of Germany to develop and manufacture solid oxide wind towers for the Chinese market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Suzlon Group (India)


• Nordex Group (Germany)


• Broadwind (U.S.)


• Ventower Industries LLC (U.S.)


• Arcosa Inc. (U.S.)


• Windar Renovables (Spain)


• Shanghai Taisheng Wind Power Equipment Co., Ltd. (China)


• Dongkuk s&c (South Korea)


• KGW Schweriner Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (Germany)


• C.S. Wind Corporation (South Korea)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2022 - Broadwind Inc. announced receiving an order worth USD 38 million for a new tower from a leading global wind turbine manufacturer. This constituted the largest tower order in more than three years as the demand for new wind turbines began to pick up following the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  


• July 2021 - The Nordex Group received orders for the delivery of two wind farms with Delta4000 turbines totaling 54.9 MW in Italy. The association is providing six N133/4.8 turbines for a 28.8 MW wind farm and five N149/5.X turbines for a 26.1 MW capacity project. The deal also comprises a premium service contract for the turbines for an initial two-year period with several options for extending up to 10 years.


• July 2021 - The Nordex Group announced a strategic partnership with TPI Composites in Mexico. The two companies agreed on a unique strategic collaboration along with cooperation in India and Turkey.


• December 2020 - Veolia North America and GE Renewable inked an agreement for recycling the blades removed from U.S. onshore wind. Via this deal, GE intends to recycle the majority of blades replaced during repowering efforts.


• June 2020 – GE Renewable Energy, LafargeHolcim, and COBOD signed an agreement to collaborate and develop wind turbines with optimized 3D printed concrete bases that reach record heights of up to 200 meters. 

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, competitive landscape, types, and installation of the system. Besides this, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation