Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has signed two agreements with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources to repower 572 wind turbines, with combined capacity of 508MW, at three wind farms in Texas, US.
Under the first contract, Siemens Gamesa will provide hardware and control upgrades for 362 units of Vestas’ V47 wind turbines at the Indian Mesa and Woodward wind power plants.
The work is expected to result in increased output for each unit from 660kW to 710kW and also extend operational life for 10 years. Siemens Gamesa plans to complete the work by year-end.
Siemens Gamesa Service Business Unit CEO Mark Albenze said: “As a multi-brand service provider, we can enhance the performance of V47 turbines with our cutting-edge solutions by delivering maximum performance and optimal energy output, allowing NextEra Energy Resources to achieve the best possible return on their investment.”
SGRE said it offers solutions in all phases of a repowering project. These include siting guidance, financing, planning, construction, service and operation.
As per the second deal signed with the US utility, Siemens Gamesa will repower 210 units of Bonus 1.3MW turbines at the 268MW King Mountain Wind Energy Center in Texas. The turbines were installed in 2001.
Siemens Gamesa will also be responsible for providing upgraded materials, warranty and commissioning services.
Albenze adds: “Repowering the Bonus units demonstrates Siemens Gamesa’s commitment to maximizing value for our customers throughout an asset’s lifecycle.
“The upgrades will improve the reliability of these units by modernizing the turbines to reduce maintenance requirements and sustain overall site availability.”
The deals were signed a day after SGRE agreed to supply 98 units of SWT-2.3-108 turbines for of undisclosed project located in Kansas, US.
The firm plans to manufacture turbine blades for the 225MW project at its blade manufacturing facility in Fort Madison, Iowa, US.