Stockholm | 17 June 2025
According to new research released today by Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE:MMC), nearly half (49%) of all insurance claims within the Nordic wind power industry in the last five years were due to machinery breakdown.
Marsh’s report, Nordic Wind Power: Loss Scenarios & Learning, analyses key trends in loss scenarios across the last five years and provides critical insights into the claims landscape for the Nordic wind power sector, helping stakeholders in the Nordic region better understand the risks and costs associated with wind power operations. The report is based on data from 2,500 turbines and claims statistics from across the Nordics.
The report states that claims related to machinery breakdown are significantly higher than other types of claims, with lightning strikes as the second most common cause of claims (11%), followed by impact damage (7%), electrical failure (7%) and short circuitry (5%).
In terms of financial impact, machinery breakdown is also the most expensive cause of claims, contributing to 35% of total claim costs. The report also highlights the significant impact of large individual claims on average costs, noting that the largest claim recorded during the reporting period was approximately €2,000,000. From 2020 to 2024, the average claim cost has risen from €36,000 to approximately €66,000.
In order to reduce both the frequency and potential severity of machinery breakdown risks, Marsh’s report identifies a range of proven risk management interventions including: investing in advanced monitoring technologies; reviewing maintenance schedules; and promoting operational vigilance among colleagues, to detect early issues.
Anders Orebrandt, Head of Power and Renewable Energy, Nordics, Marsh, said: “As the number of wind turbines in the Nordics increases, and businesses and communities become more reliant on wind power, it is essential for the industry to identify the reasons behind these failures and understand why the largest claims occur. By analyzing these trends, we can better mitigate risks and enhance the resilience of wind power operations in the region.”
