A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is a wind turbine design where the primary rotor shaft is positioned perpendicular to the wind direction, with its primary components located at the turbine's base. Depending on its intended applications, it can efficiently generate power and is particularly well-suited for situations where space is limited and safety considerations are paramount. One notable advantage of VAWTs is the ease of gearbox replacement and maintenance. This convenience arises from the gearbox's location near the ground, eliminating the need for operators to ascend great heights, often hundreds of feet in the air. Furthermore, VAWTs do not require constant alignment with the wind, which means they do not rely on wind-sensing and orientation mechanisms.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Market is being valued at US$ 13.1 billion in 2022 & expected to grow at US$ 18.4 billion at a CAGR of 3.5% during the time 2032.

VAWTs possess several key attributes that set them apart: they are sturdier, more compact, quieter, cost-effective, and capable of harnessing wind from any direction, making them omnidirectional. This feature enables them to be clustered closely together, reducing the amount of space necessary for installation. Consequently, VAWTs are frequently employed in small-scale wind projects and residential settings. These turbines leverage wind as a renewable energy source, resulting in both economic and environmental benefits. As a result, they offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for harnessing wind energy. The VAWT market is currently experiencing growth due to rising demand for clean and sustainable energy sources.

COVID -19 Impact on Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Market

The vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) industry has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to the global economic slowdown and disruptions in the supply chain. The decrease in household and personal income resulting from the pandemic has caused a decline in the demand for vertical axis wind turbines. As the market slowly approaches its full potential, we are witnessing a gradual increase in the demand for vertical axis wind turbines. The extent of this demand growth will depend on the rising awareness and necessity for renewable resources that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Factors Driving the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Market

Drivers

Space efficiency due to compact design

Space efficiency in the context of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) refers to the ability of these turbines to effectively generate wind energy while occupying relatively less physical space compared to other types of wind turbines, such as horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). VAWTs have a unique vertical orientation, with the rotor shaft positioned perpendicular to the ground. This design allows them to capture wind from any direction, without the need for a mechanism to constantly track the wind's direction. In contrast, HAWTs need to face into the wind, which requires additional space and complex orientation systems.

VAWTs are typically installed close to the ground, which means they don't require tall support towers. HAWTs, on the other hand, often need tall towers to elevate the rotor above surface-level obstacles, such as buildings or trees. This ground-level installation of VAWTs reduces their physical footprint. Due to their compact design and ability to operate effectively in confined spaces, VAWTs are well-suited for urban and densely populated areas where land availability is limited. They can be installed in smaller, more tightly packed locations, such as rooftops or small plots of land.

VAWTs can be placed in closer proximity to each other without significant interference between neighboring turbines. This allows for more turbines to be installed within a given area, maximizing energy generation from a limited space. Their vertical design also makes VAWTs adaptable to various terrain types, including hilly or uneven landscapes, where HAWTs may require more specific site preparation and terrain adjustments.

Hence the compact and vertically oriented design of VAWTs makes them space-efficient, as they can effectively harness wind energy in areas with limited available land or where the use of larger, traditional wind turbines would be impractical. This space efficiency is particularly valuable in urban and crowded environments, where renewable energy generation needs to coexist with limited available space.

Challenges

VAWTs have complex manufacturing process

The production of VAWTs involves intricate and detailed steps compared to some other types of wind turbines, such as horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). VAWTs have a distinctive vertical-axis rotor design, with blades that rotate around a central vertical shaft. This design differs significantly from the more common HAWTs, which have blades that rotate around a horizontal axis. The unique VAWT design requires specialized components and manufacturing techniques. The blades of VAWTs are often curved or have a helical shape to capture wind from various directions. Manufacturing curved or helical blades can be more intricate and time-consuming than producing the straight blades typically found on HAWTs. Achieving proper balance and alignment of the VAWT components, including the rotor and the generator, is critical to its performance. Ensuring that all parts fit together precisely can be challenging and may require meticulous manufacturing processes.

VAWTs often use unique transmission mechanisms to convert the rotational motion of the rotor into electricity. These mechanisms may be more complex to manufacture and assemble compared to the direct-drive systems commonly used in HAWTs. Some VAWTs are designed for variable-speed operation, which requires more sophisticated control systems and components. These systems must be manufactured precisely to ensure the turbine's efficiency and reliability.

As VAWTs operate with a vertical rotor, they may be subjected to different forces and stresses than HAWTs. This requires careful engineering and manufacturing to ensure the structural integrity of the turbine components. VAWTs are often designed with the gearbox and other critical components located closer to the ground for ease of maintenance. This design choice requires additional engineering and manufacturing considerations to ensure durability and accessibility.

VAWTs can come in various designs and sizes, and some manufacturers may offer customized solutions. Customization adds complexity to the manufacturing process as each turbine may require unique components and specifications. Given the complexity of VAWT manufacturing, maintaining high-quality standards throughout the production process is crucial. Quality control procedures and inspections are often more intricate to ensure that every component meets the necessary standards.

While VAWT manufacturing may be considered more complex compared to HAWTs, ongoing research and development efforts aim to streamline production processes and reduce manufacturing costs. As the technology matures and becomes more standardized, it is expected that VAWT manufacturing will become more efficient and cost-effective.

Trends

The market is at developing phase hence witnessing many changes and rapid developments, some of the major trends in the global marketplace are:

• A hybrid street lighting system combines the utilization of both solar and wind energy sources for electricity generation. Solar panels are employed to convert sunlight into electrical energy, while wind turbines are used to transform wind power into electricity.

• A Spanish technology start-up has secured funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program for its pioneering concept. Unlike traditional wind turbines that rely on blades to capture energy, this innovation harnesses the vibrations induced by airflow through aero elastic phenomena. It features a bladeless design consisting of a vertically oriented cylinder affixed to an elastic rod. The cylinder oscillates within a range of wind speeds, generating electricity through an alternator system. This innovative technology is suitable for residential areas.

• In addition to novel turbine concepts, research efforts have also focused on developing cost-effective materials that can be mass-produced. Collaboration between Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), GE Research, GE Renewable Energy, and LM Wind Power in the United States aims to produce full-sized 3-D printed blade tips. Utilizing low-cost thermoplastic skin combined with printed reinforcement holds the potential to create stronger, more affordable, and longer-lasting wind turbine blades. This development can enhance energy capture, improve blade reliability, and reduce energy and transportation expenses.

• The project's emphasis on thermoplastics aligns with the goal of making wind turbine blades more recyclable. While approximately 85% to 90% of a wind turbine is recyclable, traditional turbine blades are typically constructed from thermoset composites, which are less recyclable.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Market Segmentation 

By Type

The Darrieus segment type is expected to generate the highest revenue throughout the forecast period. A Darrieus machine is a device characterized by high speed and low torque, designed to generate alternating current (AC). To initiate its rotation, Darrieus machines rely on physical propulsion, necessitating an external power source due to their exceedingly low initial torque. This apparatus consists of two vertically aligned blades that pivot around a perpendicular shaft.

By Application

The residential segment is expected to generate the largest revenue during the forecast period. These are majorly used for residential and small-scale commercial applications to generate on-site power. They can be suitable for urban environments where wind direction is variable, and space is limited. Vertical axis wind turbines, especially small-scale or compact models, can be more suitable for residential areas where space is limited. They have a smaller footprint and are easier to integrate into urban or suburban environments.

By Regions

By region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, APAC, and Others. Others is further divided into Middle East and South America.

North America is experiencing the swiftest expansion within the market, driven by several factors such as a rising demand for renewable energy, supportive government policies, and technological progress. This region boasts a well-established renewable energy sector, and the adoption of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) is rapidly on the rise. Furthermore, the region benefits from favourable government policies that actively contributes to the growth of the VAWT market. Governments in North America are rolling out various initiatives and incentives aimed at promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources, including VAWTs. For instance, the United States operates a Production Tax Credit (PTC) program that extends tax credits to wind power producers. Similarly, the Canadian government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy generation and initiated several programs to encourage the adoption of clean energy.

Asia Pacific is predicted to become the dominant player in the global vertical axis wind turbine market share. Led by countries like India and China, this region benefits from favorable government policies aimed at boosting wind power adoption, alongside a surge in windmill installation projects that are expected to propel market growth.

Europe is anticipated to witness significant growth on the global stage. The increasing pace of technological advancements and stricter government regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions are expected to bolster market growth in the years to come.

The Middle East & Africa region is poised to experience substantial growth in the coming years, supported by the growing number of wind energy projects.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine market involves assessing the competitive landscape to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the industry.

The worldwide vertical axis wind turbine market exhibits a notable level of consolidation, with key industry participants operating on both global and regional scales. These prominent companies place a strong emphasis on extensive research and development initiatives, with a focus on organic growth tactics such as the introduction of new products, technological advancements, and securing patents, among others. In addition, they actively pursue inorganic growth strategies, including partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, and mergers, to further strengthen their market presence and capabilities.

Some of the prominent vertical axis wind turbine market companies are Urban Green Energy (UGE), Northern Power Systems, Aerovironment, Envergate Energy AG, Vortex Bladeless, Arborwind, Windspire Energy, SAWT Energy, Magenn Power, Quietrevolution, Helix Wind, and Oy Windside Production Ltd.

Recent Developments in the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Market

• In July 2023, Swedish wind turbine maker SeaTwirl announced the approval of its first commercial order for its vertical-axis floating wind turbine.
• In 2023, SeaTwirl signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norwegian early-phase offshore wind developer Kontiki Winds. The two companies are identifying and exploring opportunities to electrify offshore oil and gas assets (because Norway) and other offshore opportunities.
• November 2022, American Offshore Energy (AOE) announced novel patents in the floating wind turbine industry including a vertical axis wind turbine.
• In January 2020, a collaborative initiative between two Turkish institutions, Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ) located in Trabzon and Kahramanmaraş Sütçü Mam University (KSÜ), paved the way for mosques to become self-sufficient in electricity generation. This innovative project involves the installation of vertical axis wind turbines on the minarets and rooftops of mosques, allowing them to harness wind power for their energy needs.