Proven in Europe and Asia, GE Energy's 2.5-MW Wind Turbine to be Launched in North America Next Year


CHICAGO--04 May 2009-- Following its successful debut in Europe and Asia, GE Energy today announced that its 2.5-megawatt (MW) wind turbine is coming to America.

The 2.5xl, which is the latest evolution of the company's wind turbine technology, will be launched in North America in 2010. More than 100 of the 2.5-MW machines already have been installed in seven countries and have compiled more than one million operating hours.

In addition, GE has received more than one gigawatt of commitments over the next year and a half to provide the 2.5xl wind turbine for projects across Europe-enough clean, wind-generated electricity to meet the needs of more than a million households.

The 2.5xl represents GE's most advanced wind turbine technology in terms of efficiency, reliability and grid connection capabilities. The 2.5xl is designed to yield the highest annual energy production in its class and builds upon the success of GE's 1.5-MW wind turbine, the world's most widely deployed wind turbine with more than 12,000 now installed.

The electrical system design of the 2.5xl, which includes a full-power converter, is 50 and 60 Hz compatible, which will facilitate the launch of the 2.5xl in North America. In addition, the 2.5xl design allows it to be transported with similar equipment as the 1.5-MW.

Most of the 2.5xl machines for European projects have been manufactured at GE Energy's wind turbine facility in Salzbergen, Germany, which recently was expanded to help meet Europe's growing demand for wind turbines. The 2.5xl units for North America will be assembled in Pensacola, Fla.

"Despite the economic downturn, we continue to see opportunities for continued growth in the U.S. wind industry and that growth can be accelerated as our customers gain greater access to the federal economic stimulus funds," said Victor Abate, vice president, renewables for GE Energy. "Adding the 2.5xl wind turbine to our technology portfolio for North America greatly expands our capabilities to meet the diverse needs of our customers in these challenging times."

About GE Energy

GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2008 revenue of $29.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE's corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.

About GE

GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.

For more information contact:

Milissa Rocker

GE Energy

t: +1 518 385 2381

e: milissa.rocker@ge.com

Ken Darling

Masto Public Relations

t: +1 518 786 6488

e: kenneth.darling@ge.com

Howard Masto

Masto Public Relations

t: + 1 518 786 6488

e: howard.masto@ge.com

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