Erlangen, Germany-based Siemens Energy recently secured an order for its single largest U.S. wind turbine project. Puget Sound Energy, Washington State's oldest, local energy utility, has ordered about 150 wind turbines for the Lower Snake River Wind Project in Garfield County, Wa. With an installed capacity of about 350MW, the wind power facility is expected to provide clean power for more than 100,000 homes in Washington. PSE has an option to purchase an additional 110 units for later phases of the project.
"This order is an important stepping-stone toward becoming one of the top two wind turbine supplier in the United States," says René Umlauft, CEO of the Renewable Energy Division of Siemens Energy. "We look forward to working with PSE to further advance its renewable energy initiative in the United States."
The scope of Siemens' contract includes the supply, installation, and commissioning of the wind turbines, as well as a five-year service agreement. Since its introduction in April 2009, the wind turbine with an output of 2.3MW has quickly become the best-selling wind turbine in the United States. The 101 m rotor is specifically designed to optimize the energy returns in areas with moderate wind conditions.
To better meet the increasing demand for clean energy in the Americas, Siemens is currently constructing its wind turbine nacelle assembly facility in Hutchinson, Kan., which is scheduled to become operational in December 2010. The wind turbine nacelle facility is expected to employ approximately 400 green-collar employees. Siemens also recently expanded its blade manufacturing facilities in Fort Madison, Iowa, which currently employs more than 600 people.
