Wind Turbine Lubricants Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product Type (Grease, Gear Oil, Hydraulic Oil and Other Product Types), Base Oil (Mineral Oil, Bio-Based and Synthetic), Turbine Component, Oil Replacement Cycles, Application and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Wind Turbine Lubricants Market is accounted for $203.19 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $460.55 million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 12.4% during the forecast period. Wind turbine lubricants play a crucial role in the efficient operation and maintenance of wind turbines. Various lubricants are used in wind turbines, such as gear oils, hydraulic oils, and greases. In wind turbines, grease is used on the main rotor shaft bearing, yaw bearing, pitch drive gears, blade bearing, and generator bearing. These lubricants are specially formulated to withstand the harsh operating conditions experienced by wind turbines, such as high speeds, varying temperatures, and exposure to environmental elements.
According to the “Global Wind Report 2021” published by Global Wind Energy Council, in 2020, new wind power installations surpassed 90 GW, i.e., 53% higher than the capacity added in 2019. This resulted in a total installed capacity of 743 GW in the world, registering a 14% increase compared to 2019.
Market Dynamics:Driver:Rising adoption of wind energy
As the global emphasis on sustainable and renewable energy intensifies, there is a growing deployment of wind turbines to harness wind power. This surge in wind energy installations propels the demand for specialised lubricants that ensure the efficient and reliable operation of wind turbine components. Lubricants play a crucial role in mitigating friction, reducing wear, and enhancing the overall performance and lifespan of wind turbines. The expanding wind energy sector, driven by environmental concerns and renewable energy targets, underscores the necessity for high-quality lubricants to support the maintenance and longevity of wind turbine systems.
Restraint:High initial costs
The initial costs of premium lubricants may be too high for wind farm operators, especially those with limited funds. These costs include the purchase of high-performance lubricants made to meet the unique requirements of wind turbines. Although these lubricants improve the lifespan and efficiency of turbines, the initial cost may deter uptake and impede market expansion as a whole. As a result, it acts as a significant barrier to market expansion.
Opportunity:Development of eco-friendly lubricants
The emphasis on reducing the ecological impact of wind turbine operations drives the need for biodegradable and environmentally friendly lubricants. Eco-friendly lubricants aim to reduce the overall environmental footprint of wind turbine operations. This includes factors like lower carbon emissions during production and usage, supporting the broader goal of sustainable energy practices. This aligns with the overall theme of sustainability in the wind energy sector, contributing to a reduced reliance on non-renewable resources. Many eco-friendly lubricants are derived from renewable resources, such as plant-based oils. Therefore, it contributes to the overall growth and positive positioning of the wind turbine lubricant market.
Threat:Competition from alternate energy sources
As the energy landscape diversifies, with increased focus on solar, hydro, and other alternatives, the demand for wind energy may face challenges. Reduced investments in wind turbines could impact the market for specialised lubricants. The shift towards alternative energy sources may divert attention and resources from wind energy projects, affecting the overall growth of the wind turbine lubricant market. Thus, it will hamper market demand.
Covid-19 Impact
Various industries had to slow down their operations due to disruptions in the value chain caused by the restrictions on national and international boundaries. This led to the shutdown of production facilities, which negatively impacted wind turbine lubricant market growth. However, the wind energy sector bounced back, and rising vaccination rates led to favourable environments for industrial progress. The industry installed more than 93 GW of wind power during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite disruptions in the global supply chain and project construction.
The grease segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The grease segment is estimated to hold the largest share. This is a semi-fluid or solid lubricant consists of a thickening agent and base oil, providing enhanced adhesion to surfaces, reduced wear, and effective friction reduction. Grease is commonly used in pitch and yaw bearings, main bearings, and other components where a consistent and durable lubricating film is essential for smooth turbine operation. Its unique formulation allows for improved retention, especially in areas with challenging operating conditions, contributing to the overall efficiency and longevity of wind turbine systems.
The gearbox segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The gearbox segment is anticipated to have lucrative growth during the forecast period. As wind turbines convert wind energy into electrical power, the gearbox facilitates the necessary speed adjustments. Lubricants tailored for gearboxes ensure smooth and efficient power transmission, enhancing overall turbine performance. With the trend towards larger and more powerful turbines, the gearbox segment addresses the unique challenges posed by high loads and speeds, contributing to the reliability and longevity of wind turbine systems.
Region with largest share:Asia Pacific commanded the largest market share during the extrapolated period. With increasing investments in renewable energy, countries like China, India, and Japan are expanding their wind energy capacities. The region's push towards sustainability and the growing number of wind turbine installations create a demand for specialised lubricants. Rapid industrialization and government initiatives promoting clean energy further contribute to this demand. As the wind energy sector grows, there is an increased focus on research and development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Region with highest CAGR:North America is expected to witness profitable growth over the projection period. The United States and Canada lead the region in wind energy capacity, driven by a strong emphasis on clean energy. Regulatory support, tax incentives, and growing environmental awareness contribute to sustained investments in wind power. The demand for specialised lubricants is high, particularly with the prevalence of advanced wind turbine technologies. A competitive landscape and evolving sustainability trends shape the dynamics of the North American wind turbine lubricant market.
Key players in the marketSome of the key players in the Wind Turbine Lubricants Market include Total Energies SE, Chevron, BP p.l.c., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Klüber Lubrication GmbH & Co., FUCHS Petrolub SE, Phillips 66 Company, The Lubrizol Corporation, Shell Plc, AMSOIL INC., Afton Chemical, Croda, CNPC, Castrol Limited, Lubrita, Quaker Chemical, Sinopec, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and OKS Spezialschmierstoffe GmbH.
Key Developments:In September 2023, Petrobras signed a deal with Citi to evaluate Brazil's offshore wind energy generation supply chain and logistics capabilities. The deal is seen as an important milestone for Brazil's preparations to develop its first offshore wind farms. This deal will also involve a shift in the Brazilian supply chain, which is currently focused on onshore components.
In March 2022, Shell Energy Operations agreed to acquire 49% of Australian wind farm developer West Wind Energy Development Pty Ltd, which has a 3 GW project pipeline across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. This investment is a part of Shell's strategy to build a low-carbon integrated power business in Australia, complementing its investments in solar, carbon trading, and power retailing.
Product Types Covered:
• Grease
• Gear Oil
• Hydraulic Oil
• Other Product Types
Base Oils Covered:
• Mineral Oil
• Bio-Based
• Synthetic
Turbine Components Covered:
• Blade
• Jaw
• Rotor
• Gear Box
• Other Turbine Components
Oil Replacement Cycles Covered:
• 6-12 Months
• 12 Months and Above
Applications Covered:
• Off-shore
• Onshore
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements