EU to probe China-based wind-turbine firm
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into the activities of a China-based maker of wind turbines.
The EU body said that it would investigate Goldwind Science & Technology Co Ltd on foot of preliminary concerns that it might have been granted foreign subsidies that could distort the EU internal market.
The probe is taking place under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which was introduced to address what the EU saw as “a regulatory gap”, whereby subsidies granted by EU member states were closely scrutinised under state-aid rules – but those granted by non-EU governments went unchecked.
Preferential tax measures
Goldwind is active mainly in the sector of wind-turbine manufacturing, R&D (research and development), sales, and servicing.
The commission said that it had started the investigation on its own initiative in 2024 by sending requests for information to several companies active in the EU wind sector – including Goldwind.
The possible foreign subsidies that concern the commission include grants, preferential tax measures, and preferential financing in the form of loans.
Its preliminary concerns are that these foreign subsidies may improve Goldwind's competitive position in the internal market and may negatively affect competition for the supply of wind turbines and related services in the EU.
The EU body stresses that the opening of an in-depth investigation does not pre-judge the outcome.