India - Suzlon signs new Australian orders

Suzlon Energy Limited (SEL), the world’s fifth leading and India’s largest wind turbine manufacturer announced the signing of two major new orders in Australia. The contracts, totaling over 200 MW of capacity, were signed with Sydney’s RPV (Renewable Power Ventures) and utility-major AGL Energy by the company’s Australia-operations arm – Suzlon Energy Australia Pty Ltd (SEA).

Speaking on the orders Mr. Dan Kofoed Hansen, CEO – SEA, said: “We are very pleased to partner with RPV and AGL Energy to deliver sustainable power solutions in Australia. The large size of the orders, and AGL’s repeat-order, demonstrate our ability to deliver total wind farm solutions to the exacting expectations of our customers. We are looking to continue our success and assume an even larger role on Australia’s wind energy stage.”

The first contract, from Sydney-based Renewable Power Ventures, calls for the delivery of 63 units of Suzlon S88 – 2.1 MW wind turbine, translating to 132 MW of capacity. The project, named ‘Capital Wind Farm’, will come up in New South Wales, approximately 50 kilometers north of Canberra. The contract includes full turnkey delivery including a 330kV electrical substation and power line works and is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2009.

The second contract, a repeat contract from AGL Energy – one of Australia’s leading utilities - calls for the delivery of 34 units of Suzlon’s S88 turbine translating to 71.4 MW of capacity. The project will come up in South Australia approximately 250 kilometers north of Adelaide, and near the original Hallett project where AGL’s initial 95 MW project supplied by Suzlon is under development.

"The Hallett Hill wind farm will significantly add to AGL’s capability to self-supply its renewable generation needs. Hallett Hill is a superior location for wind generation. In addition to one of the best wind resources on mainland Australia, its proximity to the Hallett wind farm, which will use the same turbines, will provide significant opportunities for operating efficiencies and synergies” stated Mr Michael Fraser, CEO of AGL Energy

“With its plentiful windy sites and a growing economy, we believe Australia is key market for wind energy. We are very proud to partner with Renewable Power Ventures and AGL Energy to deliver the economically profitable and environmentally sustainable benefits of wind energy to Australia,” stated, Mr. Andre Horbach – CEO, Suzlon Group.