India - GE Energy to set up wind turbine plant in south India

GE Energy has announced plans to set up a wind turbine generator plant in South India and for developing local supply chain.

“It is a moment of great pride for all of us at GE as this is going to be our first wind turbine generator plant in India. We appreciate the government's support in providing the project with necessary infrastructure to commence operations'', Mr T P Chop ra, president and CEO of GE India said here on the occasion of 'GE Day' celebrations.

The plant would commence production in second half of 2010 GE's 1.5 XLE model wind turbine, most suited for India's low wind regimes and would eventually grow capacity to ship 300 wind turbines yearly in line with the growth in demand, Mr Chopra said.

The facility would also enable GE Energy to create a larger sourcing base from India for critical items including blades, towers, gear boxes, castings and forgings.

“Today India is ranked as the fifth largest market globally for wind power in terms of installed capacity and this will only elevate in years to come. This is an important time to be involved with wind energy and in helping to shape the future of our nat ion's renewable energy agenda. With our decision to set up a wind turbine generator plant, we want to make sure that we fully capitalise of opportunities available'', he added.

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net