GE wind turbines for Italy projects

News

GE Energy has secured a deal with Italian power developer, Gruppo Energia and Servizi, to provide 29 GE 2.5MW wind turbines for three onshore projects in Italy.

The contract will see Gruppo Energia and Servizi's wind farm in Racalmuto, Sicily, receive 17 2.5xl wind turbines, while two additional projects in Lacedonia and Ginestra degli Schiavoni, Campania, will each receive six 2.5xl wind turbines.

GE will supply the equipment, transportation and installation of the turbines, as well as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) services and grid integration. The group said it expects the wind turbines to be operational by the end of 2010.

Stefano Colò, manager of Energia and Servizi, said: ‘Italy has great wind resources and we are pleased to use GE's latest wind technology to help reach European Union and Italian renewable energy targets.

‘We've been working with GE for several years now and have been extremely satisfied with the relationship. That led to the selection of GE's wind turbines for these new projects. Moreover, the new 2.5xl units will provide us with high reliability and efficiency levels, as well as improved performance.’

Figures from the Italian Association for Wind Energy (ANEV) have shown a 35 per cent increase in the country's installed fleet in 2008. This is expected to increase from 3,740MW to 16,200MW by 2020, supplying 27.2TWh of electricity, or 6.7 per cent of the country's total energy demand.

Italy currently has a target of producing 17 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. According to GE, the deal will add 72.5MW to the country’s total wind-energy capacity and help the group deliver on plans to double its current installed capacity.

Claudio Organtini, GE’s renewable sales manager in Italy, said: ‘GE Energy's presence in Italy continues to expand. As a global energy leader, GE recognises that the world's increasing energy needs, including the European Union's 20-20-20 mandate, will require a balanced portfolio of renewable energy options. GE's 2.5xl wind turbines will contribute to Italy's renewable energy goals.’