GE to Supply Wind Turbines to Increase Ontario's Supply of Clean Energy by More than 460 Megawatts
- Largest North America Wind Developer and Wind Turbine Developer to Partner on Six Projects to Support Ontario Green Energy Act
- GE Supplying 288 of Its 1.6-100 Wind Turbines
- Investment in a Cleaner Energy Future for the Planet
MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 10, 2012 /CNW/ - NextEra Energy Canada, ULC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, the largest generator of wind and solar power in North America, has selected GE (NYSE: GE) advanced wind turbine technology for six new wind farms in Ontario. Using GE's new 1.6-100 wind turbine, the world's most efficient turbine in its class, the new wind farms will produce more than 460 megawatts of clean power, which is enough energy for nearly 120,000 homes in Ontario.
GE will supply 288 of its 1.6-100 wind turbines for the NextEra Energy Canada projects, marking one of the first installations of this technology in Canada. GE has secured more than 1,200 megawatts of global commitments for this technology since it was launched in May. Featuring 100-meter blades, the 1.6-100 captures additional energy in low-wind environments.
Part of an investment of more than $1 billion by NextEra Energy Canada, the projects support Ontario's Green Energy Act.
"We are pleased to expand our partnership with GE as we continue our efforts to bring these important wind projects into service to increase Ontario's supply of clean, wind-generated electricity," said Armando Pimentel, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources. "These projects will benefit the environment, and they will help to create jobs and generate additional economic opportunities throughout the province of Ontario."
Under the provisions of the Green Energy Act, 50 percent of all project goods and labor must come from Ontario at the time they reach commercial operation. This agreement will help NextEra Energy Canada meet its commitment to creating jobs and economic opportunities in Ontario.
Manufacturing facilities of GE and its suppliers in Port Colborne, Ottawa, Windsor and Stony Creek will all contribute to fulfilling the agreement with NextEra Energy Canada in meeting its domestic content commitments.
"We developed our new 1.6-100 wind turbine specifically to meet the higher performance and efficiency challenges of today's wind industry, in Canada and worldwide," said Vic Abate, vice president of renewable energy for GE. "After the strong global acceptance of this technology, we're extremely pleased that our 1.6 wind turbines now will have a major presence in Canada."
Subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Canada were awarded 20-year power purchase agreements by the Ontario Power Authority to develop the projects, which will be located at six sites across Ontario and are expected to enter commercial operation in 2013 and 2014. Together, these six projects are expected to create more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The Ontario Green Energy Act, passed by the Ontario legislature in May of 2009, is intended to expand renewable energy production, encourage energy conservation and create green jobs.
GE's wind turbine technology is qualified 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) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
GE has operated in Canada since 1892. The company has 7,000 employees and major manufacturing, sales and service locations across the country. For more information visit www.ge.com/ca. Follow GE Canada on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/GE_Canada and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/GECanada.
GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels.
Lindsay Theile
GE Power & Water
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Masto Public Relations
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Court Elliott
GE Communications/PA
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