China’s Impact on the Global Wind Power Industry

China’s economic rise has transformed the global economy in a number of manufacturing industries. This paper investigates whether
China’s transformative influence extends to the new green economy.
Drawing on the debate about how China is driving major economic
changes in the world – the “Asian drivers” debate – it identifies five
corridors of influence and investigates their relevance for the wind ener-
gy industries. Starting with the demand side, it suggests that the size and
rapid growth of the Chinese market have a major influence on competi-
tive parameters in the global wind power industry. While Western firms
have found ways of participating in the growth of the Chinese market,
the government’s procurement regimes benefit Chinese firms. The latter
have invested heavily and learned fast, accumulating production capabili-
ties that have led to changes in the global pecking order of lead firms.
While the combined impact of Chinese market and production power is
already visible, other influences are beginning to be felt – arising from
China’s coordination, innov
ation and financing power.