Press Releases
The Netherlands: XEMC Darwind Completes Installation of XD115 5MW Wind Turbine
Xiantan Electric Wins 1st European Wind Turbine Sale in Ireland
More green energy in the pipeline
Xiantan Electric Wins 1st European Wind Turbine Sale in Ireland
Gaelectric ink China deal for Irish wind
Wind farm deal boosts hopes of greater prize
Chinese and Irish firms sign energy deal
£16m energy deal puts 600 jobs in the pipeline
XEMC Mulls Northern Ireland as Base for $148 Million Wind-Turbine Factory
Chinese industrial giant eyes £95m investment in Northern Ireland
The Netherlands: XEMC Darwind Completes Installation of XD115 5MW Wind Turbine
This past Sunday 26th of June a major milestone was reached regarding the market introduction of XEMC Darwind’s XD115 5MW wind turbine. Installation of the prototype was completed at the test site in the Wieringermeer, Province of Noord Holland, The Netherlands.
The XD115 is one of the world’s first 2nd generation Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator turbine of this size and it capitalises on years of operational experience with Dutch designed Direct Drive PMG technology.
The XD115 moreover is the first top down – bottom up offshore dedicated wind turbine design, specifically built for a harsh maritime climate. Apart from low initial capital expenditure the offshore dedicated design ensures that operational costs will be substantially lower as compared to traditional wind turbines now out at sea.
The dedicated offshore wind turbine has a hub height of 100 meters above ground level and a rotor diameter of 115 meter. The XEMC-Darwind turbine conceals its power in a combination of ‘less is more’ design and the use of hightech materials. Features include a direct drive, permanent magnets, a single main bearing, innovative blades, a modern fully sealed turbine and an integrated management control system. Last but not least, the light weight design (low top mass) brings substantial advantages to foundation structure and offshore installation.
After commissioning this summer, the XD115 wind turbine will be operated in a test and validation campaign and is expected to have received full certification by the 2nd quarter of 2012.
XEMC Darwind B.V. is a full subsidiary of Hunan Province, China based XEMC Windpower Co. Ltd. which, in turn, forms part of the vast XEMC Group, a Chinese industrial company established in 1936.
First commercial projects for the XD115 are being successfully explored and XEMC Darwind expects to deliver to the market rapidly following full certification.
Success of XEMC Darwind will lead to the creation of hundreds of permanent jobs, re-establishing the Netherlands as a centre of excellence for advanced turbine technology and sustainable wealth for many directly and indirectly involved in the offshore wind sector.
XEMC VWEC and Gaelectric Holdings sign contracts to co-develop three Irish wind farms
Renewable energy and energy storage group, Gaelectric, and XEMC VWEC, member of the Chinese XEMC Group, a global leader in Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) wind turbines, have today (Monday) signed contracts to co-develop three Irish wind farms, and a Letter of Intent to co-develop Gaelectric’s remaining pipeline of wind energy projects in Ireland and the US.
This will see the first commercial deployment of XEMC VWEC wind turbines in Europe with the deployment of the new XV90 turbines at 3 Gaelectric on-shore sites Roosky in Co. Roscommon, Leabeg in Co. Offaly and Crowinstown in Westmeath totalling 13.6 MW of wind power. The value of these initial co-development projects amounts to €18 million.
Commenting this morning at a contract signing ceremony with Gaelectric at its headquarters in Dublin, XEMC Group Chairman, Mr. Zhou Jianxiong, said:
“Gaelectric’s pipeline of wind farm projects in key locations in Ireland and the US, combined with our shared focus on innovation in renewable energy technologies, makes us ideal allies in co-developing Gaelectric’s portfolio of renewable power projects. We are particularly pleased that the sites that we intend to co-develop with Gaelectric are very suited to establishing our Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) turbine technology as the leading global wind generation technology delivering low service and maintenance costs, competitive pricing, and high availability and annual yield.”
XEMC, locally represented by Titan Energy Associates, is one of the larger industrial groups in China with a corporate history stretching back over 70 years. Based in Hunan Province, State-owned XEMC Group employs over 10,000 staff with established business segments in electrical mechanics, heavy automotive engineering, ship propulsion systems, electric locomotives for the mining industry, light rail vehicles for public transportation systems, and wind energy technology. XEMC has 820 of its XE-series turbines installed in China. Its XE-series are the largest turbines in mass production in China.
Commenting at the signing ceremony, Gaelectric CEO, Brendan McGrath, said:
“Our alliance with XEMC is a significant strategic step for Gaelectric. With the backing of XEMC’s industrial strength and technological capacity, and their track record and commitment to long term relationships, we are confident that Gaelectric’s portfolio of wind farm sites will be realised to the highest commercial and technical standards. Our visit to China in March of this year confirmed to us XEMC’s commitment to research and development which combines Dutch engineering design and pedigree, with Chinese industrial power. We also share a vision for the significant opportunities from off-shore wind energy generation on which we are already working closely together.”
Commenting on today’s announcement, IDA Ireland said that the XEMC – Gaelectric contracts to co-develop three initial wind farms in Ireland, together with both parties stated intention to co-develop other wind energy projects is a significant development in Chinese and Irish business co-operation. IDA has been working with XEMC for some time and we very much welcome this announcement as a platform for further Chinese-Ireland business relationships.
Through its acquisition of Dutch renewable energy technology firm, Darwind in 2009, XEMC has consolidated its position as leaders in the development of Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator technologies which have distinct technical and commercial advantages in a wide range of applications. Direct Drive PMG turbine technology avoids the requirement for generator gearboxes, thereby reducing weight and improving reliability. XEMC is supporting the further development of this PMG technology with its development of a 5 MW turbine for deployment in off-shore settings. A prototype of this offshore dedicated 5MW turbine has recently been installed at a turbine test centre in the Netherlands.
More green energy in the pipeline
A major renewables company is to set up shop in Belfast, galvanising the region's new reputation as a centre for green energy.
Over the last 18 months Gaelectric has secured full planning approval for four Northern Ireland windfarm developments in Co Antrim, Co Londonderry and two in Co Tyrone.
The four projects will represent a total investment of around £110m and will create about 130 construction jobs.
Gaelectric has a further five windfarm proposals in the planning system - one in Co Tyrone, two in Co Antrim and two in Co Derry.
The firm is also developing a compressed air energy storage facility in Larne.
Seven people will be working in the company's new technical office at Clarendon Quay, Belfast.
Patrick McClughan, Gaelectric's commercial manager in Northern Ireland, said that the firm is embarking on an important new phase.
"The windfarms will not only provide a significant boost to Northern Ireland's renewable energy capacity, but they will also generate jobs," he said.
"In addition, these projects will support increased workforce skills and provide economic activity to the local areas.
"Gaelectric has completed an extensive consultation programme to update local communities on the projects and locally administered community funds will be established to support community initiatives in the area."
Mike Denny, chief operations officer at Gaelectric, added: "We have been greatly encouraged by the significant support we have received from the Northern Ireland Executive, which clearly recognises the benefits associated with developing sustainable renewable energy channels.
"Opening an office in Belfast was the next logical step."
Xiantan Electric Wins 1st European Wind Turbine Sale in Ireland
Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing Corp., a Chinese electric equipment maker, won its first wind turbine sale in Europe with a deal worth 18 million euros ($26 million) to develop farms with Gaelectric Holdings in Ireland.
The agreement covers co-development and turbine supply for three sites totaling 13.6 megawatts of wind energy in Roscommon, Offaly and Westmeath, Gaelectric said in a statement. State-run Xiangtan Electric also signed a letter of intent to develop Gaelectric’s pipeline of wind projects in Ireland, it said.
They are also working on offshore wind power, Brendan McGrath, chief executive officer of Dublin-based Gaelectric, said in the statement. Xiangtan Electric is testing a 5-megawatt gearless turbine in the Netherlands for deployment at sea.
The Chinese company, which bought Dutch wind-turbine maker Darwind in 2009, makes direct drive turbines that reduce weight and maintenance costs, according to the statement.
Chinese turbine makers are seeking to expand in Europe as the region adds wind farms to cut reliance on fossil fuels. Sinovel Wind Group Co. agreed a deal with Ireland’s Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd. in July and teamed up with Athens-based Public Power Corp. SA to develop plants in Greece in April.
“Chinese wind turbine manufacturers see Europe as a key target market,” Justin Wu, an analyst of wind energy at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, said by e-mail. “The level of activity will only pick up in the next few years.”
Gaelectric ink China deal for Irish wind
Irish green energy company, Gaelectric, today said it has signed a deal worth E18m with China's XEMC VWEC, to build three windfarms in Ireland.
The two companies also signed a Letter of Intent to co-develop Gaelectric's remaining pipeline of wind energy projects in Ireland and the US.
XEMC VWEC is part of the Chinese XEMC Group, a global leader in Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) wind turbines.
The deal will see the first commercial deployment of XEMC VWEC wind turbines in Europe with the deployment of the new XV90 turbines at 3 Gaelectric on-shore sites at Roosky in Co. Roscommon, Leabeg in Co. Offaly and Crowinstown in Westmeath totalling 13.6 MW of wind power.
The value of these initial co-development projects amounts to E18 million.
"Gaelectric's pipeline of wind farm projects in key locations in Ireland and the US, combined with our shared focus on innovation in renewable energy technologies, makes us ideal allies in co-developing Gaelectric's portfolio of renewable power projects. We are particularly pleased that the sites that we intend to co-develop with Gaelectric are very suited to establishing our Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) turbine technology as the leading global wind generation technology delivering low service and maintenance costs, competitive pricing, and high availability and annual yield," said XEMC Group Chairman, Mr. Zhou Jianxiong, at the signing in Dublin today. : XEMC, locally represented by Titan Energy Associates, is one of the larger industrial groups in China with a corporate history stretching back over 70 years.
Based in Hunan Province, State-owned XEMC Group employs over 10,000 staff with established business segments in electrical mechanics, heavy automotive engineering, ship propulsion systems, electric locomotives for the mining industry, light rail vehicles for public transportation systems, and wind energy technology.
XEMC has 820 of its XE-series turbines installed in China. Its XE-series are the largest turbines in mass production in China.
"Our alliance with XEMC is a significant strategic step for Gaelectric. With the backing of XEMC's industrial strength and technological capacity, and their track record and commitment to long term relationships, we are confident that Gaelectric's portfolio of wind farm sites will be realised to the highest commercial and technical standards. Our visit to China in March of this year confirmed to us XEMC's commitment to research and development which combines Dutch engineering design and pedigree, with Chinese industrial power. We also share a vision for the significant opportunities from off-shore wind energy generation on which we are already working closely together," said Gaelectric CEO, Brendan McGrath.
Wind farm deal boosts hopes of greater prize
The future growth of the renewables sector in the province has been boosted by a deal announced yesterday between green energy firm Gaelectric and the Chinese XEMC Group, a global leader in wind turbine development.
The firms have signed contracts to co-develop three Irish wind farms, and a Letter of Intent to co-develop Gaelectric's pipeline of wind energy projects on the Island of Ireland.
This will see the first commercial deployment of XEMC VWEC wind turbines in Europe with the deployment of the new XV90 turbines at three Gaelectric on-shore sites at Rooksy in Co Roscommon, Leabeg in Co Offaly and Crowinstown in Westmeath totalling 13.6 MW of wind power. The value of these initial co-devlopment projects amounts to 18 million euro.
However, the deal also brings some more hope for up to 600 jobs that could be created in Belfast as the Chinese giant looks to set up a European manufacturing base for its turbines.
A delegation from the company visited Belfast this time last year looking for a suitable site for a turbine assembly plant and blade factory.
A decision is expected soon and the city is fighting other European centres but at risk is investment of more than £95 million.
The visit was facilitated by Belfast-based Titan Energy Associates (TEA), XEMC's European and North American marketing and distribution partners.
Yesterday TEA chairman Richard Kane said the Gaelectric development would have a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy confirming both companies' intent to co-develop a strong development pipeline on both sides of the border.
"This is another important step forward from last year, when a senior delegation of XEMC officals visited Belfast to explore potential manufacturing locations for their onshore and offshore turbines."
Commenting at a contract signing ceremony with Gaelectric at its headquarters in Dublin, XEMC Group Chairman, Zhou Jianxiong, said "Gaelectric's pipeline of wind farm projects in key locations, combined with our shared focus on innovation in renewable energy technologies, makes us ideal allies in co-developing Gaelectric's portfolio of renewable power projects."
Gaelectric CEO, Brendan McGrath, said the alliance was a "significant strategic step".
"With the backing of XEMC's industrial strength and technological capacity, and their track record and commitment to long term relationships, we are confident that Gaelectric's portfolio of wind farm sites will be realised to highest commercial and technical standards."
Chinese and Irish firms sign energy deal
Renewable energy firm Gaelectric Holdings has signed a deal with XEMC VWEC to co-develop three wind farms in Ireland, with a value of €18 million.
The wind energy firm has also signed a letter of intent to co-develop Gaelectric's remaining wind energy projects in Ireland and the US. Gaelectric chief executive Brendan McGrath said the deal with XEMC VWEC, which is part of the Chinese group XEMC, was a "significant strategic step" for Gaelectric.
"With the backing of XEMC's industrial strength and technological capacity, and its track record and commitment to long-term relationships, we are confident that Gaelectric's portfolio of wind farm sites will be realised to the highest commercial and technical standards," he said.
The agreement is the first commercial deployment of XEMC VWEM wind turbines to take place in Europe.
Under the deal, the new XV90 turbines will be deployed at three Gaelectric onshore sites in Roscommon, Offaly and Westmeath.
"Gaelectric's pipeline of wind farm projects in key locations in Ireland and the US, combined with our shared focus on innovation in renewable energy technologies, makes us ideal allies in co-developing Gaelectric's portfolio of renewable energy projects," said XEMC group chairman Zhou Jianxiong.
£16m energy deal puts 600 jobs in the pipeline
A Chinese energy firm has teamed up with Irish company Gaelectric to develop three new wind farms in a deal worth £16m.
Xiangtan Electrical Manufacturing Corporation (XEMC) has also signed a letter of intent to co-develop Gaelectric's pipeline of wind energy projects in Ireland.
This will see the first commercial deployment of the company's wind turbines in Europe with the deployment of the new structures at three Gaelectric onshore sites in Co. Roscommon, Co. Offaly and Westmeath.
The deal is good news for Northern Ireland as XEMC is considering locating its European wind turbine assembly plant and blade factory here.
An investment of over £95m, and the creation of over 600 highly skilled jobs are envisaged if Northern Ireland is chosen as the location for the two plants.
Richard Kane, chairman of Titan Energy Associates (TEA), the County Down based local representative of XEMC said that the development will have a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy.
"This is another important step forward from last year, when a senior delegation of XEMC officials visited Belfast to explore potential manufacturing locations for their onshore and offshore turbines," he said.
In the past Gaelectric has secured planning approval for a 42 megawatt wind farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Dunbeg in Co. Londonderry.
Approval has also been granted for a 15 megawatt complex ar Inishative, near Pomeroy, in County Tyrone, a 15 megawatt wind farm in Carn Hill, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim and a 12.5 megawatt wind farm in Cregganconroe, Pomeroy, Co Tyrone.
At a contract signing ceremony with Gaelectric at its headquarters in Dublin, XEMC group chairman Zhou Jianxiong, said that Gaelectric's pipeline of wind farm projects in key locations made the two firms "ideal allies".
"We are particularly pleased that the sites that we intend to co-develop with Gaelectric are very suited to establishing our direct drive permanent magnet generator turbine technology.
"This leading wind generation technology will deliver low service and maintenance costs, competitive pricing, and high availability and annual yield," he said.
XEMC Mulls Northern Ireland as Base for $148 Million Wind-Turbine Factory
The group’s wind-energy unit, XEMC Darwind BV, may locate its European turbine assembly plant and blade factory in the U.K. province, Peter McCormick, chief executive officer of XEMC Darwind’s local marketing and distribution partner Titan Energy Associates, said today by telephone.
The company, which can make 1,000 turbines per year at its Chinese facilities, is also mulling the Republic of Ireland and Holland for the two plants, McCormick said.
XEMC will decide by the end of November after a three-month feasibility study, he said. At the chosen location XEMC Darwind aims to make 200 turbines per year and create 600 jobs by 2016.
“The local and domestic markets in England and Ireland would be easily served from a base in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland,” he said. It could also serve the U.S. market, where XEMC Darwind has established customer relationships, said McCormick.
“Advancing in tandem” with the European factory are plans to set up in the U.S., said McCormick. The company’s technology, a gearless turbine, is a “great door-opener” in the market, he said. Without gearboxes wind turbines can be lighter, more reliable, require less maintenance and therefore operate for longer.
Alongside a 2.5-megawatt capacity machine for onshore wind farms, the company is developing the 5-megawatt version for the offshore market.
A delegation from XEMC Group, which acquired Darwind from its bankrupt previous owner Dutch holding company Econcern, visited Northern Ireland during the last two days to discuss the plans. This marked the group’s first U.K. visit, according to a statement released by the company.
Chinese industrial giant eyes £95m investment in Northern Ireland
A major Chinese generator manufacturer is in Northern Ireland to explore investment opportunities which could create over 600 jobs in the renewable energy sector.
XEMC (Xiangtan Electrical Manufacturing Corporation), whose visit to the province is its first to the UK, said it was considering locating its European wind turbine assembly plant and blade factory in Northern Ireland.
An investment of over £95m and the creation of over 600 highly skilled jobs are envisaged if Northern Ireland is chosen as the location for the two plants.
XEMC, which employs 11,000 people, is the leading supplier of multi-megawatt direct drive turbine technology in the Chinese market.
During a two day visit hosted by Belfast company Titan Energy Associates, XEMC's European and North American marketing and distribution partners, XEMC will hold briefings at Stormont and meetings with Invest NI, Harland & Wolff, Queen's University and Belfast Harbour Commissioners.
Fengtai Cheng, managing director of XEMC Darwind BV, said: "We are committed to giving serious consideration to bringing our European operations to Northern Ireland. We are undertaking two feasibility studies in the next three months with the assistance of our local partners, Titan Energy Associates (TEA). These comprehensive studies will explore a number of key factors ranging from specialised labour skills and logistical infrastructure to strategic alliances. In general and of greater importance, we want to gauge the enthusiasm of the local community to support us."
Dr Peter McCormick, chief executive of Titan Energy Associates, said the firm was "absolutely delighted" at XEMC's interest.
XEMC's feasibility studies are to finish by the end of November.