Nordex USA, Inc., announces an order for eight N100 wind turbines to be installed at a 20-megawatt wind farm in Glenmore, Wisconsin. Developed by Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, the project will generate nearly 64 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power about 8,000 homes and displace an estimated 55,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. The CH Energy Group, owner of the New York utility Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, holds a controlling interest in the project via its unregulated subsidiary Central Hudson Enterprises.
“The project debuts some of the most advanced turbines in the U.S.,” says Ralf Sigrist, president and CEO of Nordex, USA. “It’s been a pleasure partnering with Emerging Energies to provide the best technology for the site, designed to make the absolute most of Glenmore’s wind resources.”
The N100s are the latest generation in the Nordex family of 2.5-megawatt N80/N90 turbines. Designed specifically for low to moderate wind speeds, the N100s are ideal for numerous sites across the country, holding great potential in the U.S. The N100s have a hub height and rotor diameter of 100 meters, with a rotor sweep of 7,823 square meters. That translates into an increase in power yield by up to 20 percent at average wind speeds of around 7.5 meters per second, compared to the N90.
For the project, called the Shirley Wind Farm, Nordex will supply cold climate models of the N100s, upgraded to operate in temperatures as low as minus 20° Fahrenheit. “We looked very carefully at the N80/N90/N100 Nordex turbines and were convinced by their great track record, along with the quality and experience Nordex brings to the market,” says Bill Rakocy, a founder of Emerging Energies. “We selected the N100s because they accomplish critical project goals, maximizing available land and wind resources by using the largest, tallest turbines available. We’re excited to introduce them in the U.S. and in Wisconsin.”
The project also represents a shift in the U.S. market toward larger turbines with higher efficiencies and yields. In 2008, the average installed turbine was 1.67 megawatts. Nordex built the first 2.5-megawatt turbine in 2000 and has the longest track record for reliability in the multi-megawatt class, with over 1,000 installed worldwide. Nordex will deliver and install the turbines in the third quarter of 2010, with project completion slated for the fourth quarter. The order also includes maintenance and technical operation under a 10-year service contract. The project carries a 20-year power purchase agreement contract with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.
“We believe the Shirley wind investment will provide the stability and predictability in earnings and cash flow that our shareholders value,” says Steven Lant, chairman of the board, president, and CEO of CH Energy Group. “It strengthens our portfolio of unregulated ventures, complimenting our utility Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation.”
Nordex USA is currently building a manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas, which will produce N90/N100 turbines for the U.S. market beginning in September 2010. For more information go to www.nordex-online.com.
