Among the nine 2010 wind farm projects, 351 newly installed wind turbines will produce clean energy that can power as many as 220,000 homes in seven states. In addition, these wind power projects will create more than 50 long-term wind turbine maintenance-related jobs in rural areas. During the construction and commissioning of the nine wind farms across the country, Suzlon estimates that its employees will contribute $1.5 million to the local economies where they live and work.
"We look forward to completing the many projects for Duke Energy, Iberdrola Renewables and others, while simultaneously funneling money back into rural economies and creating green jobs at each wind farm," said Andris Cukurs, CEO of Suzlon Wind Energy. "Our construction and service teams are working fervently to install the turbines and get them online so they can begin generating clean power and providing a strong return for our customers’ investments, as well as tax revenues for local communities."
The nine Suzlon projects are located in seven states, including Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. They encompass community projects in Kansas and Minnesota, and the expansion of the first wind farm in Arizona. Nearly all projects feature Suzlon’s S88-2.1 MW wind turbine that routinely has performed well.
"Last year we established the first commercial wind farm in Arizona, which produces 63 MW of power using 30 Suzlon S88-2.1 MW turbines. We have been extremely pleased with the performance of the Dry Lake wind farm," said Martin Mugica, executive vice president, Iberdrola Renewables. "We’re looking forward to building on that successful milestone with the completion of the Dry Lake II wind farm. After its permitting and construction, it will add up to another 65 MW of clean wind energy to the Arizona grid."
Frequently, Suzlon hears about how its wind farm construction and maintenance employees are appreciated for bolstering local communities and economies. At one wind power plant, Suzlon even contributed to the rebuilding of a town – Greensburg, Kansas – where 95 percent of its structures were destroyed by a tornado in May 2006. Greensburg’s wind farm is home to 10 Suzlon S64-1.25 MW wind turbines that can generate enough energy to power 3,750 homes.
"Suzlon and this wind farm provided a huge boost to this community after the tornado devastated the region and during our recent recovery," said Greensburg Mayor Bob Dixson. "The town is making a remarkable comeback with our mission to be ‘better, stronger and greener.’ Suzlon’s turbines are helping us achieve our green energy goals and are serving to exemplify the potential for wind-powered towns."
At present, Suzlon has more than 1,750 MW of wind turbine capacity installed in the U.S. and expects to have 2,480 MW by the end of the year.
Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation focuses on the North American market and is a subsidiary of Suzlon Energy Limited, India. The headquarters for North America is based in Chicago, Illinois. Sales and service offices are located throughout the U.S.
Suzlon ranked as the world’s third leading wind turbine supplier in terms of market share in 2008. Suzlon has ranked as the leading manufacturer in the Indian market for ten consecutive years, maintaining over 50% market share. Suzlon has its corporate offices in Pune, India and the company’s global spread reflects in its projects and markets portfolio – extending across Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America. Suzlon is a highly vertically integrated wind turbine manufacturer with manufacturing capability along the full value chain – from components to complete wind turbine systems.
Suzlon and REpower, if taken together, stand as the world’s third leading wind turbine supplier group in terms of market share. Market share of 12.3% is derived from BTM Consult ApS World Market Update 2008, ranking Suzlon with 9% of global market share and REpower with 3.3% of global market share.
