Published: August 01, 2011
228 Advanced GE Wind Turbines Headed to Wind Capital Group Projects in Oklahoma and Kansas
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - GE (NYSE: GE) and Wind Capital Group have inked deals for 228 wind
turbines and the accompanying operations and maintenance services for
projects in Oklahoma and Kansas. This pair of projects will provide more
than 350 megawatts of reliable, clean renewable energy for the
Midwestern United States and create jobs and economic stimulus for local
landowners and surrounding communities.
GE will supply 94 of its 1.6-100 wind turbines for the Osage project in
Oklahoma, which will provide power to Associated Electric CoOps Inc.
(AECI), and 134 1.5-82.5 wind turbines for the Post Rock project in
Kansas, which will supply power to Westar. The GE wind turbines for both
projects are scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2012.
"This purchase will help us to create American jobs, invest in rural
economies and bring clean, domestic energy to communities across the
country," said Ciaran O'Brien, Wind Capital Group's chief executive
officer. "At a time when many energy projects around the country are on
hold, Wind Capital Group is making substantial investments and expanding
our operations," O'Brien added. "This turbine acquisition sends a clear
signal that we have a pipeline of high-quality development projects that
we are continuing to translate into strong commercial assets."
The two new projects will increase Wind Capital Group's U.S. wind power
footprint to more than half a gigawatt.
"Since signing our first agreement in 2008, GE and Wind Capital Group
have worked together to launch successful projects that utilize our
proven 1.5-megawatt wind turbine reliability and performance," said Vic
Abate, vice president of GE's renewable energy business. "Wind Capital
Group's existing 150-megawatt Lost Creek project in Missouri using GE
wind turbines consistently runs at over 98 percent availability."
The Osage project in Oklahoma will use GE's advanced 1.6-100 wind
turbine, which is the world's most efficient wind turbine when taking
into account capacity factor in wind class. Abate added, "We are pleased
to extend our relationship with Wind Capital Group as we work together
to introduce advanced technologies that make wind more competitive."
GE's 1.6-100 features a 100-meter rotor diameter and offers a 47 percent
increase in swept area, resulting in an 18 percent increase in annual
energy production compared to the previous models.
The GE 1.5-82.5 wind turbines for the Post Rock project in Kansas are
members of GE's family of 1.5 machines, the most widely deployed
megawatt class wind turbine in the wind industry with more than 16,500
installed worldwide.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company
taking on the world's toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in
energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more
than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more
information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service
solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The
company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through
strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve
customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE
Energy-GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gasâwork
together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38
billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all
areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and
nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and
biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid
modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.
About Wind Capital Group
Formed in 2005, Wind Capital Group is an American company committed to
harnessing a clean, renewable source of energy-creating jobs, generating
economic opportunity and building a strong foundation for domestic
energy independence. Wind Capital Group's model is built on forming
responsible partnerships with the communities in which we operate and
providing long-term value for our investors. Currently, Wind Capital
Group is developing utility-scale wind farm projects across the United
States and has offices in St. Louis, Mo.; Madison, Wis.; and Chicago,
Ill. For more information about Wind Capital Group, visit www.windcapitalgroup.com.

GE Power & Water
Milissa Rocker
518-385-8120
milissa.rocker@ge.com
or
Masto
Public Relations
Ken Darling or Howard Masto
518-786-6488
kenneth.darling@ge.com
howard.masto@ge.com
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