Innovation in the wind energy sector

Wind power has ascended from being a niche technology developed by enthusiastic idealists to being a pivotal element in global energy transitions led by multinational corporations. It has thus emerged rapidly as a leading renewable energy source globally, driven by imperatives to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and achieve energy security, on the one hand, and rapidly evolving technological trajectories and declining turbine costs, on the other. This chapter examines the nature and characteristics of wind energy innovation by tracing its historical evolution, examining key milestones from nineteenth-century turbine development to contemporary advancements. Drawing on patent data it reveals critical innovation trajectories, including the consolidation of modern turbine design, as being critical to the emergence of wind energy as a competitive technology. Moreover, the chapter shows how rapid innovation has been rooted in the emergence of global production and innovation networks among leading wind turbine manufacturers. Yet, despite wind energy's substantial contributions to decarbonisation efforts, persisting innovation challenges demand continued advancement. To respond to this challenge, the sector is increasingly focused on ‘post-turbine’ wind innovation in which advanced digital technologies take centre stage.