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The Wind Industry’s Power Players: Insights from Windpower Monthly’s 2025 Power List

Windpower Monthly's 2025 Power List: Top Influencers in Wind Energy

As the global energy transition accelerates, wind power continues to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing electricity generation. In recognition of the individuals and organizations shaping this transformation, Windpower Monthly has released its 2025 Power List: Top Influencers in Wind Energy. This comprehensive ranking highlights the most influential figures driving innovation, policy, investment, and deployment in the wind sector. This article delves into the key takeaways from the list, explores the impact of these leaders, and examines the broader implications for the future of wind energy.

Understanding the Windpower Monthly Power List

What is the Power List?

The Windpower Monthly Power List is an annual ranking that identifies the top 100 most influential individuals in the global wind industry. The 2025 edition marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the publication has released such a comprehensive and curated list. The selection process involved a panel of industry experts, journalists, and analysts who evaluated candidates based on their impact, leadership, innovation, and contribution to the growth of wind energy.

Criteria for Selection

Influence was measured across several dimensions:

Policy and Regulation: Individuals shaping national and international energy policies.
Technology and Innovation: Leaders driving advancements in turbine design, digitalization, and offshore wind.
Finance and Investment: Executives and financiers enabling large-scale project development.
Corporate Leadership: CEOs and senior executives steering major wind companies.
Advocacy and Sustainability: Voices promoting equitable and sustainable energy transitions.

Top Influencers in Wind Energy: Key Figures from the 2025 List

1. Henrik Andersen – CEO, Vestas

Henrik Andersen tops the 2025 Power List, a testament to his leadership at Vestas, the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer. Under Andersen’s stewardship, Vestas has expanded its offshore wind portfolio, invested heavily in hybrid energy systems, and pioneered circular economy initiatives for turbine blade recycling. In 2024, Vestas reported a record order intake of 18 GW, with significant growth in emerging markets such as India and Brazil.

2. Lisa Mallon – Director of Offshore Wind, U.S. Department of Energy

Lisa Mallon’s inclusion reflects the growing importance of government policy in accelerating offshore wind deployment. She has been instrumental in shaping the Biden administration’s offshore wind roadmap, which aims to deploy 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Her work has helped streamline permitting processes and foster public-private partnerships, catalyzing investment in U.S. coastal regions.

3. Markus Tacke – CEO, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy

Markus Tacke has led Siemens Gamesa through a transformative period, focusing on digitalization and modular turbine design. The company’s SG 14-236 DD offshore turbine, launched in 2024, is one of the most powerful in the world, capable of generating 15 MW. Tacke’s vision for integrated energy systems, combining wind with green hydrogen production, has positioned Siemens Gamesa as a leader in next-generation renewables.

4. Dr. Fatima Al-Mansouri – Chairwoman, Middle East Wind Alliance

Dr. Al-Mansouri is a trailblazer in a region traditionally dominated by fossil fuels. As chairwoman of the Middle East Wind Alliance, she has championed wind energy development in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Her advocacy has led to the commissioning of the first large-scale wind farm in Saudi Arabia and the integration of wind into national energy strategies across the region.

5. Anders Opedal – CEO, Equinor

Equinor’s transition from an oil and gas giant to a renewable energy leader is largely credited to Anders Opedal. Under his leadership, Equinor has become a major player in floating offshore wind, with projects like Hywind Tampen and Empire Wind. Opedal’s strategic pivot underscores the role of traditional energy companies in the clean energy transition.

Case Studies: Influence in Action

Case Study 1: Vestas and the Circular Economy

In 2023, Vestas launched its Circularity Roadmap, aiming to produce zero-waste turbines by 2040. The initiative includes partnerships with universities and recycling firms to develop new materials and processes for blade reuse. By 2025, Vestas had successfully recycled over 85% of decommissioned blades from European wind farms, setting a new industry benchmark.

Case Study 2: U.S. Offshore Wind Expansion

Thanks to Lisa Mallon’s leadership, the U.S. offshore wind sector has seen unprecedented growth. The Vineyard Wind project, a 800 MW development off the coast of Massachusetts, began construction in 2024 and is expected to power over 400,000 homes. The project has created over 3,000 jobs and established a new supply chain hub in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Case Study 3: Siemens Gamesa and Green Hydrogen

Siemens Gamesa’s partnership with Siemens Energy to develop integrated wind-to-hydrogen systems has yielded promising results. A pilot project in Denmark, operational since late 2024, uses a 10 MW turbine to power an electrolyzer producing green hydrogen for industrial use. This model is being considered for replication in Germany and the Netherlands.

Trends Shaping the Wind Industry in 2025

1. Offshore Wind Goes Global

Offshore wind is no longer confined to Europe. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Brazil are investing heavily in offshore infrastructure. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), global offshore wind capacity is expected to reach 270 GW by 2030, up from 64 GW in 2022.

2. Floating Wind Technology

Floating wind farms are unlocking new markets with deep coastal waters. Projects like Equinor’s Hywind Scotland and Principle Power’s WindFloat Atlantic have demonstrated the viability of floating platforms. The technology is expected to account for 10% of offshore wind capacity by 2030.

3. Digitalization and AI

Artificial intelligence and digital twins are revolutionizing wind farm operations. Predictive maintenance, real-time performance monitoring, and automated inspections are reducing downtime and operational costs. Companies like GE Renewable Energy and Envision are leading this digital transformation.

4. Supply Chain Localization

To mitigate geopolitical risks and reduce carbon footprints, many countries are localizing wind turbine manufacturing. The

Windpower Monthly’s 2025 Power List: Top Influencers in Wind Energy

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