In 2010, Suzlon Wind Energy plans to execute nine projects, whose total wind power capacity will be over 700 MW. This North American subsidiary of the Indian wind turbine maker Suzlon Energy will install 351 units of S88-2.1 MW turbines with a track record of strong performance in various states.
Suzlon S88-2.1 MW Turbine
The renewable energy generated will power about 220,000 homes, spread across seven US states - Arizona, Kansas, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Washington and Oregon. The project is expected to create more than 50 long-term jobs related to wind turbine maintenance in the rural areas. From its employees, the company foresees a $1.5 million contribution to the economies of the regions where they will live and work.
The project also includes the expansion of Arizona’s first wind farm and other community projects in Minnesota and Kansas.
Suzlon Wind Energy’s Chief Executive Andris Cukurs said that while operations at the existing projects with Iberdrola Renewables, Duke Energy and others continue, the company will simultaneously pool in capital into rural economies, creating green job opportunities at the new wind farms. Cukurs confirmed that wind turbine installation is under progress at the new farms and efforts are being made to get them into production as soon as possible, generating strong ROI and tax revenues for the local government.
In 2009, Suzlon established The Dry Lake wind farm - Arizona’s first commercial wind farm. The plant is equipped with 30 Suzlon S88-2.1 MW turbines, which generate 63 MW of power. Capitalizing on this success, Suzlon will complete the development of the Dry Lake II wind farm, which is expected to enhance the Arizona grid’s output by 65 MW.
Suzlon’s wind farm employees have strengthened their local communities. One such instance is Greensburg in Kansas, where they contributed to the rebuilding of the entire town, 95% of which was destroyed in the May 2006 tornado. The 10 Suzlon S64-1.25 MW wind turbines installed at Greensburg can generate adequate wind energy to power about 3,750 homes.
Currently, over 1,750 MW of wind turbine capacity has been installed in the U.S. by Suzlon. By the end of 2010, the company expects to increase this capacity to 2,480 MW.