China’s XJ Group Corporation has placed an initial order for 100 sets of wind turbine core electrical components with American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC). This was announced by AMSC, a global power technologies company. The components will be utilized in the 2-MW doubly fed induction wind turbines that were co-developed with AMSC’s wholly owned subsidiary, AMSC Windtec.
In Decemeber 2009, XJ Group has erected its first 2 MW wind turbine. A new wind turbine manufacturing facility with a capacity of 1000 MW per year was also completed by the company in the city of Xuchang in the Henan province of China. For AMSC Windtec, it is the third customer in China to enter mass production of advanced wind turbines. Xuchang-based XJ Group was founded in 1970 and is one of the largest power equipment manufacturers in China. It has 30 facilities operating throughout the world including 40 locations in China and has more than 10,000 employees globally.
Li Fusheng, president of XJ Group, said that AMSC Windtec has helped the company to establish a new wind turbine manufacturing business. Li Fusheng commented that the company was proud of the fact that with just 15 months after partnering with AMSC Windtec, it was able to commence production of its 2 MW wind turbines.
AMSC Windtec and XJ Group had signed a contract in late 2008, under which XJ Group was provided with designs for a 2 MW doubly fed induction wind turbine by AMSC Windtec. To suit the wind and environmental conditions such as low air density, low average wind speeds, and extreme climates in certain parts of China, the design of the turbines was adapted by both the companies.
Dan McGahn, chief operating officer and president of AMSC, while acknowledging the leadership status of XJ Group in the electric utility industry, said that the company has started manufacturing high-quality wind turbines within a short span of time. He added that the company’s ties with China’s primary grid operator, State Grid, and its manufacturing insight will enable the company to be successful in the wind industry.