GE Launches 1.6-100; Secures More Than a Half a Gigawatt of Commitments for World's Most Efficient Wind Turbine
o Latest Turbine Technology Offers Highest Capacity Factor in Its Class
o Expands Range, Performance for GE's Megawatt-Class Wind Turbines
o 393 New Turbines to Go into Projects in the United States and Brazil By 2012
ANAHEIM, CALIF. - GE (NYSE: GE) unveiled its latest wind turbine technology, the 1.6-100, at the American Wind Energy Association's (AWEA) Windpower 2011 Conference & Exhibition. GE has already secured nearly 630 megawatts of commitments for the evolutionary 1.6-100, which has been designed for increased performance in areas with lower wind resources. GE's 1.6-100 is the world's most efficient wind turbine when taking into account capacity factor in wind class.
The 1.6-100 machine combines the proven performance of GE's 1.5-megawatt wind turbine series, known as the industry workhorse, with certified components from the advanced technology of its 2.5-100 wind turbine. With blades that extend 100 meters-a height of 33 stories-the 1.6-100 has the ability to capture additional energy, making it well suited to a variety of wind farm locations.
"This latest evolution of our wind turbine technology is designed to meet the growing requirements of our customers for greater efficiency, reliability and output from a megawatt-class wind turbine," said Victor Abate, vice president-renewable energy for GE Power & Water. "By increasing the rotor diameter on the 1.6, our technology now offers customers the highest capacity factor in its class."
The 1.6-100 wind turbine offers a 47 percent increase in swept area over previous models, resulting in a 19 percent increase in annual energy production at 7.5 meters per second. This allows for the turbine to deliver IEC Type Class II performance while operating in a Type Class III (low wind) environment. GE has been operating a prototype 1.6-100 wind turbine at its Tehachapi, Calif., site since February of this year.
GE's latest wind turbine technology already has been chosen for multiple projects in the United States and in Latin America. Invenergy, the largest independent wind power generation company in the United States, has initially made commitments for 233 of the 1.6-100 wind turbines for three of their projects in the Midwest United States. This will provide 372.8 megawatts of power to the U.S. grid by 2012.
In addition, three Brazilian companies have selected the 1.6-100 for 256 megawatts of projects in the country. GE will provide 106 wind turbines to projects developed by Serveng Civilsan, 36 wind turbines to projects developed by Bioenergy and 18 wind turbines to projects developed by Oleoplan for a total of 160 turbines to be delivered in 2012.
"The development of the 1.6-100 wind turbine is another example of GE's commitment to innovation," Abate noted. "This new wind turbine offers Type Class II performance in a Type Class III environment delivering the highest capacity factor in its class."
GE's wind turbine technology is certified under ecomagination, the company's commitment to address challenges such as the need for cleaner, more efficient sources of energy, reduced emissions and abundant sources of clean water. GE's current product portfolio includes wind turbines with rated capacities ranging from 1.5 to 4.1 megawatts and support services ranging from remote monitoring and fault resolution to complete operations and maintenance support.
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.com/energy-GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas-work 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.
* The technology is capable of delivering IEC Type Class II performance (optimized output) while operating in a Type Class III (low wind) environment.
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