Apr 2 2008
Horizon Wind Energy, owned by Energias de Portugal (EDP), announced the signing of a repeat order with Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation (SWECO), a step-down subsidiary of Suzlon Energy Limited, India, for 200 MW of wind turbine capacity.
The original contract calls for delivery of 400 MW of turbine capacity in 2008 and 2009, and now has been expanded to include an additional 200 MW in 2009. The capacity will be supplied in Suzlon's S88-2.1 MW wind turbine and will be delivered to various ready-to-build sites across the country.
The turbine agreement includes the supply of 95 units of the S88-2.1 MW in 2008 and 190 units in 2009. Suzlon is also contracted for operations, maintenance and service of the wind turbines for two years and an option for five.
"Electing this option for an additional 200 MW of turbines demonstrates our commitment to the US market," said Antonio Martins da Costa, CEO, Horizon Wind Energy. "As pertained to our business plan, these turbines will be an important element in securing our growth over the next several years."
"This order reinforces the trend for renewable energy and wind in the United States. Despite economic slowdown, new wind installations more than doubled in 2007 from 2006. With growth drivers like Renewable Portfolio Standards, and the US actively pursuing domestic resources of energy security -- we see a strong, promising market going forward," Andre Horbach -- CEO, Suzlon Group stated.
The United States registered over 45% growth in 2006-07, and an average growth rate of over 35% over a three year period according to the World Market Update 2007 report published by Denmark-based global wind consultancy BTM Consult ApS. The United States also ranked as the world's largest market in 2007 comprising 26.5% of the global market and 5,244 MW of new capacity installed.