Brussels investigates Chinese turbine manufacturer Goldwind over foreign subsidies

The European Commission (EC) has launched an in-depth investigation into Chinese company Goldwind Science & Technology, a manufacturer of wind turbines. It is concerned that the company may have received foreign subsidies that gave it an unfair advantage in Europe and could have distorted the European Union’s internal market. The European executive, which also serves as the EU’s antitrust regulator, announced the investigation today in a press release.

Goldwind is based in China and operates primarily in wind turbine manufacturing, research and development, sales and servicing. The company operates in the EU internal market, among other ways, through Vensys and its other subsidiaries.

The European Commission launched a preliminary investigation on its own initiative in April 2024, when it sent requests for information to several companies active in the wind energy sector.

"Based on this preliminary investigation, the Commission found indications that Goldwind may have received foreign subsidies that distort the internal market," the EC said.

Possible foreign subsidies include grants, preferential tax measures and preferential financing in the form of loans.

The Commission is concerned that these foreign subsidies may have improved Goldwind’s competitive position in the internal market and could have adversely affected competition in the supply of wind turbines and related services in the EU. As part of its in-depth investigation, the Commission will now assess whether the preliminary findings are substantiated.