As the above examples illustrate, turbine blade failures, like the Vineyard Wind incident near Nantucket, are not unique to GE Vernova. GE’s rivals, Siemens Gamesa and Vestas, have also experienced serious quality control issues.
Per ReviewEconomy (2023), “Unexpected and increasing wind turbine failure rates, largely in newer and bigger models, are savaging the profits of some of the world’s biggest manufacturers, as Siemens Gamesa, GE and Vestas report heavy repair and maintenance losses.”
All 3 manufacturers will be providing turbines for US Atlantic wind development. The table below lists the manufacturers for active projects with approved Records of Decision (RODs).
In light of the manufacturing challenges, all 3 companies report increased emphasis on quality control. Why has quality control to date been inadequate and how will the past problems be corrected?
Has the wind industry’s sense of entitlement, as evidenced in their tax credit, rate increase, and departure expectations, affected their safety and quality culture? Has industry and governmental wind energy promotion rushed development and compromised design and fabrication decisions? It’s time for wind developers, manufacturers, and regulators to make sure their priorities are in order.
| project | turbine towers | manufacturer |
| Coastal VA Offshore Wind | 202 | Siemens Gamesa |
| Revolution Wind | 100 | Siemens Gamesa |
| Sunrise Wind | 94 | Siemens Gamesa |
| Atlantic Shores South | 200 | Vestas |
| Ocean Wind 1 | 98 | GE Vernova |
| Vineyard Wind 1 | 100 | GE Vernova |
| Empire Wind 1 & 2 | 147 | Vestas |
| New England Wind (phases 1&2) | 150 | Vestas |
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 