Wind Energy

Wind energy In Brazil: Alstom signs $171mn wind farm contract

Alstom will supply wind turbines to four wind power plants in Brazil. Alstom won a contract from Odebrecht Energia for the supply of four wind farm plants in the South of Brazil. The wind energy contract was signed in the context of the reserve energy auction, A-32.

Total value of the wind energy contract is reported at about $171 million. The wind farms, Corredor do Senandes II, III and IV, and Vento Aragano I, which are located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, will reach a total capacity of 108 MW.

Alstom will supply, install and commission 40 ECO 122 wind turbines, particularly suitable for the region’s wind conditions. Launched in 2011 by Alstom, this 2.7 MW wind turbine has the largest diameter rotor in this class segment. In addition to the wind turbines, Alstom will be responsible for the supply and installation of electrical systems and substations throughout the complex.

The wind turbines will be manufactured at Alstom’s new plant inaugurated in Bahia state in November 2011 to produce the most modern models of wind turbines. The wind farms are scheduled to start commercial operation in late 2013.

Alstom’s wind turbines are all based on the company’s unique Alstom Pure TorquePurer rotor support concept, a unique mechanical project that protects the drive train and other components from deflection loads.

Present in Brazil for over 55 years, Alstom has installed almost 40 percent of the power generation equipment in the country. Since 2010, Alstom has been selected in Brazil to provide 400 MW in three wind energy projects.

Wind power in Brazil

1997: 3 MW
1998: 17 MW (+466.7 %)
1999: 19 MW (+11.8 %)
2000: 22 MW (+15.8 %)
2001: 24 MW (+9.1 %)
2002: 22 MW (-8.3 %)
2003: 24 MW (+9.1 %)
2004: 24 MW (- %)
2005: 29 MW (+20.9 %)
2006: 237 MW (+717.3 %)
2007: 247 MW (+4.3 %)
2008: 339 MW (+37.3 %)
2009: 606 MW (+78.8 %)
2010: 931 MW (+53.7 %)
2011: 1,509 MW (+62.1 %)

By José Santamarta, www.alstom.com/power/renewables/wind/