Mega market for onshore wind

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) announced in October that it will supply 310 wind turbines of various types for five projects in the USA. With various output ratings and rotor diameters, the projects feature Siemens and Gamesa technologies offered by the recently merged company. A total of 92 units of the SWT-2.3-108, 144 units of the SWT-2.625-120 and 74 units of the G126-2.625 MW type will be installed across the various project sites.

Meanwhile GE and Invenergy proceed with construction on the 2000 MW Wind Catcher facility (see map, right), the largest wind farm in the USA to date (and the second largest in the world after Gansu, China). GE is supplying 800 of its 2.5 MW turbines.

The facility is part of the $4.5 billion Wind Catcher Energy Connection that also includes an approximately 350 mile dedicated, extra high voltage power line. American Electric Power (AEP) utility subsidiaries Public Service Co of Oklahoma (PSO) and Southwestern Electric Power Co (SWEPCO) are asking utility regulators in Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma to approve plans to purchase the wind farm from Invenergy upon completion of construction and to build the power line to serve PSO and SWEPCO customers.

GE will implement its Digital Wind Farm concept, including Asset Performance Management and Operations Optimization.