The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has expressed strong concerns regarding recent trade barriers announced by US President Donald Trump, labeling them as ineffective measures for fostering economic growth. According to GWEC CEO Ben Backwell, “Fair and transparent trade is essential to achieving the goals of the global energy transition and delivering long-term economic benefits and prosperity.”
GWEC research indicates that the majority of countries prefer to avoid trade wars, which could lead to slower growth in the wind energy market, increased costs for wind energy, and decreased financial sustainability in the sector. Backwell highlighted a significant finding from the International Energy Agency, which reported that import tariffs and non-tariff measures contributed to 9% of the cost of a wind nacelle last year. This statistic underscores the potential economic burden that trade barriers could impose on the burgeoning wind energy industry.
Backwell emphasized that the current situation demands a shift towards coordinated development of trade-friendly industrial policies. “This moment calls for the creation of positive market conditions for wind power to flourish and to generate local industrial economies of scale,” he stated. Such policies, according to Backwell, should balance fair trade practices with incentive-driven strategies for industrial relocation.
The wind industry is committed to collaborating with governments, institutions, and the private sector to promote policies that support sustainable growth. Backwell remarked, “We will continue to drive strategic collaboration, global competitiveness, and non-restrictive, trade-friendly measures.” This approach is crucial for the wind sector as it seeks to expand its capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with global sustainability goals.
As the wind energy sector faces potential setbacks from trade barriers, the GWEC advocates for constructive policies that promote fair trade and support the transition to renewable energy. The future of wind energy depends on international cooperation and the elimination of restrictive trade measures to ensure economic viability and growth.
