China Wind Power 2010 - an enlightening exhibition
By Sheelagh Kononenko and Peter Sims
02 Nov 2010
Brüel & Kjær’s successful showing in Beijing brings home the message that China’s market is a place of great potential
|
News
|
|
|
China Wind Power is the largest wind energy event in Asia, where some 500 exhibitors displayed their products this October – a 25% increase on 2009. The event was hosted by the major organisations in the wind energy industry in China:
• Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
• China Renewable Energy Industries Association (CREIA)
• Chinese Wind Energy Association (CWEA)
The three Spectris Wind Energy companies – Brüel & Kjær, Brüel & Kjær Vibro and HBM – joined forces to share a booth in the Danish Pavilion at the exhibition, and held seminars to increase awareness.
Brüel & Kjær’s stand had a running model of a wind turbine to attract customers. With accelerometers mounted on the turbine and PULSE software applications running, we were able to make interesting live demonstrations of our entire measurement chain. The three Spectris companies benefitted from working together by attracting more customers by showcasing a wide combined portfolio for the wind energy market.
China's wind energy companies
| " Even conservative forecasts predict a significant increase over China’s current capacity" |
The main domestic manufacturers in China are Sinovel, Dongfang, and Goldwind, who together hold a 60% share of the Chinese market. Chinese manufacturers look set to increasingly seek opportunities abroad, which will place additional requirements for improved reliability and quality in their products. Companies understand the importance of meeting the standards governing noise requirements in the countries to which they export, and are consequently seeking solutions to assist them in these areas.
 |
|
The importance of the Chinese market for wind turbine manufacturers and sub-suppliers is underlined by the GWEC’s estimate of a 31% growth in world wind capacity between 2009 and 2010. According to the GWEC, China accounted for over a third of these additions, and experienced yet another year with over 100% growth. Even conservative forecasts predict a significant increase over China’s current capacity.
Meanwhile, despite the considerable geographic area covered by China, offshore wind power is growing in popularity – a trend that will only serve to increase the pressure for reliability and quality.
European firms
In addition to their home-grown talent, the exhibition allowed us to develop pre-existing relationships with many companies who conduct business in China, such as Vestas and the Spanish wind turbine manufacturer Gamesa.
These firms are building up Chinese networks of component suppliers such as gearbox and generator manufacturers, as they already have in Europe. Both have recently announced large commitments to the Chinese wind power market. Significantly, they will each set up R&D facilities in China, whilst Gamesa has recently signed three new contracts with China’s leading wind power operators.
Above all, the exhibition reinforced the fact that China is a heavy investor and a leading country in the wind energy market, but also that our presence there is extremely important.
Read the latest industry news
