Wind turbines in high demand, but profit is elusive

Manufacturers of wind turbines are struggling to turn a profit, despite a surge of interest worldwide in green energy.

Factors affecting their value include rising raw-material costs, unpredictable U.S. subsidies and transportation difficulties.

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA and Vestas Wind Systems A/S, two of the largest global manufacturers, have reduced their profit forecasts for the remainder of the year, and although General Electric Co. has reported year-over-year growth in turbine sales, it hasn’t turned a profit in its wind energy segment this year.

Wind production is growing worldwide as it becomes more competitive with fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, as an electricity source. Demand this decade is expected to be roughly double that of the previous 10 years, according to consulting and data firm Wood Mackenzie.

Manufacturing and transporting the increasingly large turbines is becoming more and more challenging. Their blades alone can span more than 100 feet each.

Read more from The Wall Street Journal.