In a context of high inflationary pressure, regulatory uncertainty, and increasing international competition, GE Vernova is implementing a strategy based on technological innovation, solution standardisation, and operational efficiency to overcome the challenges faced by the wind energy sector.

Blanca Monteagudo, Sales Director for Western Europe and Latin America, states that the company is committed to developing technologies that reduce the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) and improve project profitability, particularly in an environment of rising raw material and logistics costs.

Speaking to Strategic Energy Europe, she explains that to achieve this, GE Vernova integrates advanced automation technologies, artificial vision, and robotics into its production processes, optimising manufacturing times and reducing operational costs. The company also implements predictive maintenance models across its turbine fleet, anticipating failures and extending equipment lifespans.

On the technology front, the company focuses on component standardisation and the development of more powerful and efficient wind turbines, such as the 6.1 MW turbine with a 158-metre rotor, specifically designed to maximise energy production at sites with medium to low wind conditions. This allows for greater output with fewer units installed, optimising both CAPEX and OPEX.

With over 5.8 GW of wind capacity installed in Spain and 1.5 GW in Aragón, GE Vernova further strengthens its presence in one of Europe’s most strategic markets.

Applied innovation and local production as strategic drivers

GE Vernova’s commitment to innovation is not only reflected in its turbine technology but also in its strong focus on the circular economy. Its plants in Ponferrada and Castellón manufacture advanced blades, including 100% recyclable models up to 77.4 metres in length, for both domestic and international projects.

Meanwhile, the Noblejas (Toledo) facility has become a benchmark for component repair, helping to extend equipment lifespan and reduce demand for materials such as steel.

Monteagudo also highlights that predictive maintenance applied to its base of over 1,600 turbines installed in Spain enhances the company’s offering by anticipating failures, minimising downtime, and boosting productivity.

Standardisation and long-term contracts to secure profitability

GE Vernova combines its R&D focus with a strategy of greater selectivity in contract signing, prioritising projects that ensure sustainable profit margins. This approach is supported by the standardisation of technology platforms, which is essential to achieving economies of scale and facilitating the maintenance of wind farms.

Monteagudo points out that “standardisation allows for process optimisation, reduced installation times, and ensures the reliability of turbines throughout their lifecycle”. This approach also accelerates the implementation of new technologies, ensuring that innovation impacts project competitiveness directly, rather than being confined to the design phase.

In this context, the company continues to strengthen its partnership with Forestalia, as part of the 693 MW framework agreement signed in 2023. GE Vernova’s commercial management emphasises that such alliances facilitate industrial planning and help accelerate the energy transition, although the priority remains consolidating high-efficiency technologies before expanding its contract volume.

International pressure and resilience against Asian competition

The dominance of Chinese manufacturers, who now account for 50% of global wind installations, forces Western players to strengthen their value propositions.

Monteagudo stresses that “our industrial presence in Spain allows us to contain logistics and production costs compared to manufacturers with less local capacity, resulting in better control over global inflationary pressures.”

According to WeMake Consultores, although GE Vernova has improved its profitability in the onshore business, it continues to face challenges in the offshore segment, explaining the company’s strong commitment to strengthening its portfolio of onshore technologies.

The same analysis indicates that GE Vernova’s selective contracting strategy, combined with a constant focus on innovation, aims to counteract the impact of Asian competition, which has captured much of the global market through lower prices and high production capacity.

A future focused on r&d and energy efficiency

With the industry still awaiting the long-promised final regulatory framework for offshore wind in Spain, GE Vernova continues to focus on proven technologies and the development of the next generation of more powerful and efficient turbines.

Monteagudo concludes that “true cost reduction will not come from experimental solutions, but from standardised and mature technologies that guarantee reliability and maximise operational efficiency in the most demanding environments.”

Thus, the company reaffirms its commitment to an energy transition based on sustainable, innovative, and economically viable solutions—essential pillars for maintaining leadership in a sector that, now more than ever, demands efficiency and resilience.