2024 was the allocation of significant innovation resources to offshore projects due to their complex and demanding operating environments.
Source: Wind Power World
1. Offshore Wind Will Continue to Lead Technological Innovation
Offshore wind power is expected to remain the most dynamic field for technological advancements in 2025, driving innovation across the industry. A key trend in tion
2024 was the allocation of significant innovation resources to offshore projects due to their complex and demanding operating environments. Developments such as higher-capacity turbines, longer blades, advanced testing systems, and cutting-edge solutions were often tailored for offshore use but designed to be adaptable for onshore applications. This dual-purpose approach maximizes resource efficiency and lowers costs.
2. Long-Distance Centralized Transmission to See Wider Adop
Long-distance flexible DC transmission is set to gain wider application in 2025, while low-frequency transmission technology is likely to scale up from experimental projects to broader implementation. These technologies will reduce costs for deep-sea wind farms and meet cross-regional transmission needs for onshore wind bases. Additionally, shared transmission infrastructure for offshore wind farms, where multiple projects in the same area share a single transmission line or substation, will be more widely adopted, significantly cutting construction costs.
3. Commercial-Scale Floating Wind Projects on the Horizon
By the end of 2024, only one commercial-scale floating wind project was fully operational worldwide. In China, the existing five floating wind projects are still limited to single turbines. However, this is set to change in 2025. For instance, Phase 1 of China Power Construction's Wanning Floating Offshore Wind Demonstration Project has revealed development details, with six floating turbines expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
4. Focus Shifting from Turbine Upscaling to Performance
The industry's move away from relentless turbine upscaling became evident at the 2024 Beijing Wind Energy Exhibition. Companies such as Goldwind, Envision Energy, and Mingyang introduced models designed for specific high-wind regions. Compared to the 10–15 MW turbines launched in 2023, these new designs reflect a more measured approach, focusing on performance optimization and reducing investment uncertainties. In 2025, the market is expected to place greater emphasis on performance rather than purely on cost or capacity.
5. Diversification in the Onshore Market
The onshore wind market will need to diversify in 2025 to address challenges such as wind curtailment observed in regions like Qinghai, Gansu, and Xinjiang during 2024. While the "Three North" bases remain key development areas, efforts to promote wind power in central and southern provinces are gaining momentum, spurred by initiatives like the 2024 Wind Harnessing Action Plan. Additionally, the repowering of aging wind farms with modern turbines is emerging as a long-term trend, with its impact becoming more pronounced in 2025.
6. Emerging Offshore Markets to Expand Rapidly
In 2024, Guangxi and Hainan connected their first offshore wind projects to the grid, marking significant progress in these regions. In 2025, traditional offshore markets like Fujian and Guangdong will remain dominant, while regions such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hebei, and Liaoning are poised for rapid growth. Policymakers are also pushing for the development of deep-sea wind farms, with initiatives aimed at overcoming regulatory and technical hurdles as the next Five-Year Plan approaches.
7. Accelerated International Expansion
Chinese wind power companies are expected to further expand into international markets in 2025. High-end markets, such as Germany, Italy, the UK, and Japan, are becoming increasingly accessible due to strategic investments and partnerships. Meanwhile, developing markets in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America offer substantial growth opportunities, serving as profitable ventures and stepping stones to high-end markets.
8. Price Wars Likely to Subside
The sharp decline in turbine prices seen in recent years is expected to slow in 2025. The reduced emphasis on turbine upscaling has limited manufacturers' ability to lower production costs through scale, while government regulations discourage aggressive price competition. Developers are also revising bidding processes to balance cost and quality, ensuring project viability and sustainable returns.
9. "Wind Power Plus" Becomes a Necessity
In regions with grid constraints, future wind projects will need to align more closely with local energy consumption needs. Initiatives such as wind-to-hydrogen production, wind-powered aluminum smelting, and wind-based heating are emerging solutions. However, economic challenges and limited domestic demand may slow adoption. While "Wind Power Plus" is a key focus for 2025, its implementation will require careful planning and coordination.
10. Potential Supply Chain Challenges
As 2025 marks the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, wind power development has exceeded initial targets. If new policies or pricing mechanisms are introduced in 2026, supply chain pressures could resurface. With over 3,000 10 MW-class turbines contracted in 2024 and more projects expected in 2025, manufacturers may face capacity constraints. However, given the current maturity of the market, severe disruptions are unlikely unless triggered by unforeseen events.