• ZF Wind Power marks a major milestone in System Co*operation, delivering over 10 GW of offshore wind capacity in partnership with Vestas – powering more than half of Europe’s geared offshore wind energy based on the installed base and types of wind turbines in Europe
• From the first 500 kW turbines to today’s cutting-edge 15 MW platforms, in 30 years, ZF and Vestas have continuously pushed the boundaries of offshore performance, setting new standards in reliability and drivetrain technology
• ZF Wind Power is driving the energy transition together with its partners. As Europe accelerates toward 450 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050, ZF Wind Power stands ready to lead through collaboration, integrated solutions, and a shared commitment to a sustainable future
Lommel (Belgium), September 16, 2025. 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.
Press contacts:
Kris Adriaenssen, Head of Marketing, ZF Wind Power
Phone: +32 11 34 98 96, email: kris.adriaenssen@zf.com
Gernot Hein, Head of Communications, Industrial Technology Division
Phone: +49 (0) 851 494 2480, email: gernot.hein@zf.com
About ZF
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.
With some 161,600 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal 2024. The company operates 161 production locations in 30 countries.
For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com
About ZF Wind Power
ZF Wind Power is a global leader in technology-driven manufacturing and a leading provider of wind turbine gearbox services. The company is leading the high-performance onshore segments with the SHIFT compact modular platform designs. ZF delivered the world’s first offshore 9.5 MW wind turbine gearbox and, in close cooperation with its partner, delivered the first next-generation offshore powertrains. The company has the world’s largest installed capacity +8 MW offshore wind turbine gearboxes. Since entering the wind industry in 1979, ZF Wind Power has delivered over 85,000 gearboxes, powering more than 205 GW (primarily high-performance) wind turbines. Together with its partners, the company continually invests in the wind market to help create a sustainable future.