On a patch of land in northern Serbia, the development of one of Europe’s largest wind farms is a sign of the region’s efforts to meet clean energy targets. Yet the decision to pick a Chinese company to supply the turbines has caused alarm among domestic rivals.
Some fear Italy’s Fintel Energia’s use of Zhejiang Windey to supply turbines for the Maestrale Ring wind farm is part of a growing trend that threatens to repeat problems in Europe’s solar industry, where Chinese companies have undercut domestic groups on price, forcing many to collapse.
Although Chinese manufacturers account for just a fraction of Europe’s €57.2bn wind energy market, Brussels has launched an investigation into whether Beijing groups are using unfair state subsidies to slash prices to create a competitive advantage.