ZF Wind Power Announces a New Milestone in System Co*operation: 10 GW in Offshore Wind

At the heart of the energy transition lies collaboration. ZF Wind Power is proud to announce a new milestone in System Co*operation: over 10 GW of shipped offshore wind capacity. This impressive number is the result of thirty years of offshore innovation in close partnership with Vestas, one of the world’s leading companies in sustainable energy solutions. This milestone marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of offshore wind through integrated solutions, shared innovation, and long-term strategic alignment. 

Offshore wind energy is rapidly transforming Europe’s energy landscape. With record-breaking investments, expanding infrastructure, and ambitious climate goals, offshore wind farms have become a cornerstone of the transition to sustainable, secure, and affordable energy. At the end of 2024, Europe had reached a cumulative (geared and direct-driven) offshore wind capacity of 37 GW*, powering millions of homes and industries across the continent. “We are proud to announce that these 10 GW are more than 50% of the European geared offshore wind capacity powered by ZF technology, a testament to our leadership in drivetrain innovation and the strength of our System Co*operation with our partners across the wind energy value chain,“ says Bert Verdyck, CTO of ZF Wind Power. 

Thirty years of offshore innovation, from 500 kW to 15 MW: stronger and even more reliable 

Thirty years of offshore innovation began in 1995 with Tunø Knob, the world’s oldest commercial offshore wind farm, which remains operational today. In partnership with Vestas, ZF delivered gearboxes for the V39-500 kW turbines – marking the start of a pioneering collaboration that continues to shape the offshore wind sector. 

Over the past three decades, both the industry and the ZF–Vestas partnership have undergone substantial evolutions. From 500 kW to today’s 15 MW turbines, offshore technology has become thirty times more powerful and significantly more reliable. 

From the early days of small-scale turbines to the cutting-edge V236-15.0 MW platform, ZF and Vestas have continuously pushed the boundaries of offshore performance while maximizing reliability. Reliability is the key to scaling offshore wind successfully. Every turbine must perform flawlessly in some of the harshest environments. That’s why both companies continuously invest in advanced turbine and powertrain technologies. 

Building systems that last is the first step toward a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future for our partners, society, and the planet. The V236 model symbolizes transformation, combining Vestas’ innovative design with ZF’s powertrain expertise to deliver exceptional reliability in demanding marine environments. This 10 GW milestone is a testament to what’s possible when partners join forces to drive innovation. 

Empowering a sustainable future together 

With projections from the European Commission indicating that offshore wind could supply up to 30% of global electricity demand by 2050, Europe is expected to lead the charge – aiming to install between 240 GW and 450 GW of offshore capacity in the coming decades. Achieving this vision will require deep cooperation across the wind energy value chain, and ZF Wind Power is uniquely positioned to contribute. “Our proven track record, technological leadership, and commitment to System Co*operation – from Co*Design to Co*Service – make us an essential partner in scaling up wind energy, both onshore and offshore. Together with our partners, we are empowering a sustainable future through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose,“ concludes Dr. Jochen Witzig, CEO of ZF Wind Power. 

ZF Wind Power | https://www.zf.com/products/en/wind/home/wind.html

*Source: WindEurope