Northern Power Systems has entered into a strategic partnership with WEG Equipamentos Elétricos S.A., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electronic equipment. WEG and Northern Power are cooperating to bring next‐generation wind turbine technology to the South American wind market. This partnership combines WEG’s extensive production capabilities and market knowledge with Northern Power’s PM/DD technology and wind industry experience to deliver value‐enhanced wind energy products for customers of WEG.
As part of their collaborative efforts, WEG is offering a utility‐scale technology platform that will include wind turbines rated between 2.1 and 2.3MW and rotors sized from 93m to 110m to meet customer requirements in a range of a wind classes. WEG has already secured commitments for initial orders and will be scaling production operations throughout 2013 and 2014.
“We believe that Northern Power’s PM/DD technology offers a significant performance advantage to a vast array of customers in South America,” said João Paulo Gualberto da Silva, WEG’s Head of Wind Energy Generation Business. “The South American wind market, particularly Brazil, is growing at an incredible rate, and the initial market response to WEG’s turbine offerings has been very positive. Having a partner like Northern Power with proven technology which is capable of providing solutions for both current and evolving wind market demands, positions WEG to be a leader in this expanding space now and in the future.”
According to Northern Power, turbines leveraging PM/DD technology typically demonstrate higher availability and lower maintenance and repair costs than traditional gear‐based turbines, offering higher energy production over the turbine’s lifetime, and providing enhanced economic returns to owners. The wind turbines initially will be manufactured at WEG’s manufacturing facilities in Jaragua do Sul, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
“WEG has tremendous capabilities to supply all aspects of wind power plants integrated with a strong understanding of the needs of the South American wind market, and Northern Power has the experience and technology necessary to provide the right solutions for this market,” added Troy C. Patton, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Power Systems. “We look forward to powering WEG’s capabilities through our technology offerings.”