Vestas CEO Calls for Wind Industry Policy Reform in Europe

Vestas Wind Systems' CEO is calling for policy changes in the European wind industry. The company is the world's leading manufacturer of wind turbines, with 2,837 turbines and systems delivered in 2024, and a total capacity of 12,900 MW. Net sales are distributed across various regions, including Denmark, Germany, Europe/Middle East/Africa, the United States, Brazil, Americas, and Asia/Pacific.

Vestas Wind Systems' CEO, Henrik Andersen, has issued a stark warning to the European Union, urging the bloc to adopt bolder industrial policies to protect and support the wind energy sector. Andersen, speaking to Bloomberg News, expressed concern that the EU's fragmented approach to industry could lead to the loss of key manufacturers like Vestas, which is based in Denmark [1].

Andersen highlighted that wind energy is a European creation, with the industry's roots tracing back to European universities and testing sites. He warned that without adequate support and protection, companies like Vestas could be forced to move operations out of Europe. This comes at a critical time as the EU struggles with carbon emissions, economic growth, and energy independence, particularly in the face of geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions [1].

The CEO criticized the EU's longstanding preference for policies that limit industrial consolidation, arguing that this fragmentation has weakened Europe's competitiveness. He cited the US as a model for effective industrial policy, noting that the US has achieved energy independence through consistent policy over decades. Andersen pointed to the recent US Senate budget reconciliation bill as evidence, which removed an excise tax on wind and solar projects using Chinese components, thereby reducing competition from lower-cost rivals [2].

The Senate bill's changes have created a paradoxical opportunity for European renewable energy firms. While it phases out key US tax credits for solar and wind projects by 2027, it also removed a proposed 50% excise tax on projects using Chinese-made components. This shift could inadvertently favor European manufacturers with strong US footholds, such as Vestas, Ørsted, and SMA Solar Technology [2].

Vestas, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, has deep US ties and has doubled its US workforce over the past three years. The company's stock surged in Q2 2025 following the Senate bill's passage, reflecting investor confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on the new regulatory environment [2].

Andersen's call for policy changes underscores the importance of industrial policy in maintaining Europe's competitive edge in the wind energy sector. As the EU grapples with energy independence and global competitiveness, the industry's leaders are urging the bloc to adopt policies that support and protect the sector's growth and innovation.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-07/vestas-ceo-says-eu-s-fragmented-policy-puts-wind-energy-at-risk
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/european-renewables-ride-tax-credit-wave-vestas-rsted-sma-solar-key-plays-2507/