While China has been the brunt of complaints for many in the wind industry, Vestas Wind Systems seem to be blowing through the country. Company executive Michael Holm said Vestas’ operations in China are solid despite market concerns over competition from local manufacturers (Manufacturers Face Wind Tunnel Problems in China) as the company recently announced a 34-MW order from first-time customer China Fujian Wind Energy Company. The order for 17 V80-2.0 MW wind turbines is for the Pingtan Aoqian wind farm project located in the eastern part of Fujian province.
The contract includes the supply and commissioning of the wind turbines, as well as servicing and maintenance. Delivery of the turbines is due to take place in the Q4 of 2009 with over 1,800 people employed.
"There has been a lot of speculation and rumor. We’re dealing with a market where some things are open to all bidders and competitors, and other things are only open to Chinese companies. But we’ve just announced a small local Chinese order today," Holm told Dow Jones.
In its Q1 report Vestas said it continues to expand its operations, and is "investing heavily", in China (and the US) "owing to positive market prospects."
First quarter sales deliveries to China amounted to 62 MW of 103 MW for the Asia-Pacific region.