Prepared by:
Curtis Matwychuk-Goodman, Jeff Wilson, Ryan Gillanders, Wade Tywoniuk, and Will Woo Young Kim.
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Introduction to the Issue
This paper is intended to provide readers with an understanding of the wind-energy industry. In order to understand the industry a holistic approach is necessary. First, this paper will explain the historical development of wind-energy. It will then explain the concepts of location advantages which are crucial for industry development. Readers will understand how location can both be an advantage and disadvantage depending on how firm-specific advantages are leveraged. Furthermore this paper will detail the stages of wind-energy project developments as well as the technological advancements that have given rise to the current wind turbine designs. In the end readers will understand the basics about wind-energy; with a better understand how wind can be harnessed to produce sustainable and renewable power.
In terms of the global regions of the wind-industry our research indicates the largest players are found in the triad economic regions; including the European Union, North America and Asia-Pacific. The second part of this paper will give a brief overview of some countries from each region. From the EU, the focus will primarily be on Germany and Spain, with brief discussions of secondary players from Bulgaria, Italy, UK, France, Turkey and Poland. This section will prove Europe’s historical dominance in the wind energy industry. From Asia-Pacific we will discuss the emergence of China as a global player; and from North America we will focus on Canada and the United States. Overall, from this regional overview readers will gain insight into key areas of: the role of governments from incentives to regulation; how a global shift has occurred from Europe to the world; and the ways in which a cluster-effect has occurred similar to other global industries. This section will enable readers to understand the high –growth potential of wind energy.
To further understand the regional markets of the wind-energy industry we will provide a detailed overview of three major companies operating within each triad region. The Irish company Mainstream Renewable Power provides an interesting case of the cooperation between European and Canadian markets. From Asia we will examine Goldwind Science and Technology Company, an interesting case of state-owned enterprise and the role in developing local area-clusters. We will also look to TransAlta Wind, one of Canada’s largest wind-energy producers; which will provide readers with insight how energy market deregulation has fostered economic growth in the wind sector. In the end readers will better understand the current issues and barriers facing firms within the wind-sector as well as our predictions of the future of the industry. Our discussion will conclude with our key recommendations for the industry.