228 Advanced GE Wind Turbines Headed to Wind Capital Group Projects in Oklahoma and Kansas
- Projects Push Wind Capital Group’s Installed U.S. Wind Capacity to More than a Half Gigawatt
- Deal Includes Operations and Maintenance Services for Both Projects
- Benefits Include Jobs, Boost to Local Economy
SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—August 1, 2011—GE (NYSE: GE) and Wind Capital Group have inked deals for 228 wind turbines and the accompanying operations and maintenance services for projects in Oklahoma and Kansas. This pair of projects will provide more than 350 megawatts of reliable, clean renewable energy for the Midwestern United States and create jobs and economic stimulus for local landowners and surrounding communities.
GE will supply 94 of its 1.6-100 wind turbines for the Osage project in Oklahoma, which will provide power to Associated Electric CoOps Inc. (AECI), and 134 1.5-82.5 wind turbines for the Post Rock project in Kansas, which will supply power to Westar. The GE wind turbines for both projects are scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2012.
“This purchase will help us to create American jobs, invest in rural economies and bring clean, domestic energy to communities across the country,” said Ciaran O’Brien, Wind Capital Group’s chief executive officer. “At a time when many energy projects around the country are on hold, Wind Capital Group is making substantial investments and expanding our operations,” O’Brien added. “This turbine acquisition sends a clear signal that we have a pipeline of high-quality development projects that we are continuing to translate into strong commercial assets.”
The two new projects will increase Wind Capital Group’s U.S. wind power footprint to more than half a gigawatt.
“Since signing our first agreement in 2008, GE and Wind Capital Group have worked together to launch successful projects that utilize our proven 1.5-megawatt wind turbine reliability and performance,” said Vic Abate, vice president of GE’s renewable energy business. “Wind Capital Group’s existing 150-megawatt Lost Creek project in Missouri using GE wind turbines consistently runs at over 98 percent availability.”
The Osage project in Oklahoma will use GE’s advanced 1.6-100 wind turbine, which is the world’s most efficient wind turbine when taking into account capacity factor in wind class. Abate added, “We are pleased to extend our relationship with Wind Capital Group as we work together to introduce advanced technologies that make wind more competitive.” GE’s 1.6-100 features a 100-meter rotor diameter and offers a 47 percent increase in swept area, resulting in an 18 percent increase in annual energy production compared to the previous models.
The GE 1.5-82.5 wind turbines for the Post Rock project in Kansas are members of GE’s family of 1.5 machines, the most widely deployed megawatt class wind turbine in the wind industry with more than 16,500 installed worldwide.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas—work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.
About Wind Capital Group
Formed in 2005, Wind Capital Group is an American company committed to harnessing a clean, renewable source of energy—creating jobs, generating economic opportunity and building a strong foundation for domestic energy independence. Wind Capital Group’s model is built on forming responsible partnerships with the communities in which we operate and providing long-term value for our investors. Currently, Wind Capital Group is developing utility-scale wind farm projects across the United States and has offices in St. Louis, Mo.; Madison, Wis.; and Chicago, Ill. For more information about Wind Capital Group, visit www.windcapitalgroup.com.