Vestas signs orders for 220 MW in Argentina

Genneia S.A., Argentina’s largest wind energy supplier in terms of installed capacity, has placed a firm and unconditional order for a total of 62 V126-3.45 wind turbines. The turbines will be installed in wind parks located close to Puerto Madryn in Chubut, one of the windiest regions in Argentina.    

Walter Lanosa, CEO of Genneia S. A., said “Our long-lasting business relationship with Vestas is delivering very good results for both companies. We started making business together when we signed Rawson I&II in 2010, Argentina’s largest wind park at the time. In 2016 we signed the extension of Rawson wind park for phase III that is currently under construction, and with all these new projects, it is great to see that we have come this far together.”  

The order comprises the supply and installation of the wind turbines, as well as a 10-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM5000) service agreement that will ensure the highest energy output at the lowest costs for Genneia S. A. Commissioning for phase I and II is expected for the third quarter of 2018 and 2019 respectively.  

President of Vestas Mediterranean, Marco Graziano, states: “Our local team is working hard to meet the needs of our customers in Argentina and these new orders demonstrate their confidence in our products, our services and our people. It is incredibly fulfilling to see that Vestas is making headway in a key market such as Argentina”.  

Another order came from the only aluminium smelter in Argentina, Aluar Aluminio Argentino S.A.I.C., to supply 14 V126-3.45 delivered in 3.6 MW Power Optimised Mode for the 50 MW El Llano wind park in Chubut. Located close to Aluar’s facilities, the wind park will provide electricity for Aluar’s aluminium smelting, highlighting wind energy’s attractive economics for energy intensive industries.   

The order comprises the supply and installation of the wind turbines as well as a 15-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM5000) service agreement, ensuring optimal operation of the wind park at all times. Turbine delivery is planned for the fourth quarter of 2017, while commissioning is expected for the third quarter of 2018.  

“Argentina has an ambitious plan to add renewable energy capacity to their energy mix at record speed, which is bringing other countries in the region along. The project is another example of how wind energy can meet high energy demands at a low cost and hereby help Argentina and other countries achieve their renewable energy targets”, says President of Vestas Mediterranean, Marco Graziano.  

By using wind energy to run their energy intensive aluminium production, Aluar follows the global trend of companies procuring renewable energy to run their operations with cost-efficient and sustainable energy. The El Llano wind park will also help Aluar meet the requirement stipulated in the Argentinian Renewable Energy Law 27.191 that requires large electricity consumers to get a percentage of their usage from renewable sources.  

Over the last six months, Vestas has signed around 500 MW of firm and unconditional orders in Argentina.