As the global build-out of wind energy accelerates to meet climate and energy security targets, so do the complexities of scaling its supply chains. In this episode of Sound of Green, we explore how a Danish-born initiative, APQP4Wind, is setting a new global standard for quality and collaboration in the wind industry.

Turning competetors into colleagues

From the outset, the story of APQP4Wind has been about balancing two traditionally opposing forces: price and quality. In the early 2010s, the Danish wind sector faced growing costs related to defects and inefficiencies. According to Kim Schmidt-Petersen, Vice President at KK Wind Solutions, there was a clear need for change:

“At that point in time, companies had quite a high cost of poor quality. So the need was there to do something different.”

The turning point came when major players like Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, KK Wind Solutions and LM Wind Power decided to sit down—not as competitors, but as what they came to call competitor-colleagues. Drawing inspiration from the automotive sector’s APQP methodology, they developed a common framework that has since evolved into APQP4Wind.

“We’re taught not to trust each other, but there are things we can share that are common across the board that can help the entire industry,” says Ike Anyanwu-Ebo, who at the time worked at Vestas and helped kickstart the process.

Creating a methodology and framework for the whole wind industry

While aligning internal processes may seem like a technicality, standardisation offers tangible business value. For suppliers, OEMs, and developers, it enables transparency, reduces errors, and ultimately lowers cost—a key selling point in a price-driven market.

“Don’t do it for the sake of your customers. Do it for your own sake. This will provide a framework and a transparency within your organisation that puts you in control.” says Kim Schmidt-Petersen.

The framework quickly found a wider audience. In 2018, APQP4Wind was formalised as an independent organisation, and today, it counts over 1,500 member companies and more than 7,000 trained professionals worldwide.

A key selling point for becoming a member company is competitive advantage of having influence in a growing global movement that’s working to reshape the industry landscape.

“They [APQP4Wind] set up the procedures, they reach out to governments and do the lobbying. We want to be a part of that.” says Ike Anyanwu-Ebo, now with the developer RES Group.

Beyond internal benefits, the framework also creates a more mobile and flexible workforce, where shared standards make it easier for employees to move between companies and roles.

“If people come with these certifications, you know they can do it how you want to do it in your company,”
explains Lea Bigom Wichmand, Head of Department, Industry, Innovation and Export from Green Power Denmark.

The recipe to creating a green energy backbone

In a time of geopolitical instability and urgent climate goals, initiatives like APQP4Wind are seen as essential. With the EU targeting 425 GW of wind energy by 2030, the industry must almost double its capacity in just a few years. Standardisation can help scale efforts without compromising on quality or resilience.

“We are talking about wind as the backbone of the electricity system. But how do you actually do that? Every time you’re going to do something on a large scale, you have to have procedures and streamlining. If you have a recipe that always works, then you can do it.” Lea Bigom Wichmand.

Ultimately, the APQP4Wind story is one of foresight, collaboration, and taking the long view—values that echo Denmark’s broader approach to the green transition.