Wind developers in emerging markets are increasingly viewing Chinese turbine-makers as attractive alternatives to the established Western manufacturers in a trend that could fundamentally reshape the competitive landscape.

After years of speculation about their expansion overseas, Chinese suppliers are now selling turbines far and wide in markets from Saudi Arabia and Egypt to Serbia and Brazil. In 2023, they racked up nearly 7 GW of firm orders outside of China, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights data, more than the three previous years combined.

The growth comes amid a fierce race to the bottom in the domestic Chinese market which, coupled with the rising price of Western turbines, has boosted the economics of export opportunities and the potential to undercut the competition.