Siemens Energy, has secured an order for its US wind turbine project, with Puget Sound Energy (PSE), an energy utility in Washington, ordering 149 wind turbines rated at 2.3MW each for Phase I of the Lower Snake River Wind Project in Washington state's Garfield County.
With an installed capacity of 343MW, the wind power facility is expected to provide clean power for more than 100,000 homes. PSE has an option to purchase an additional 110 SWT-2.3-101 units in 2012 for later phases of the project.
The scope of Siemens’ contract with PSE for Phase I of Lower Snake River includes the supply, installation and commissioning of the 149 SWT-2.3-101 units, and a five-year service agreement.
The 101-meter rotor is specifically designed to optimize the energy returns in areas with moderate wind conditions.
Siemens is currently constructing its wind turbine nacelle assembly facility in Hutchinson, Kansas, which is scheduled to become operational in December 2010. The 300,000sqft wind turbine nacelle facility is expected to employ approximately 400 employees.
Siemens said that shipments are expected to begin in March 2011.
Rene Umlauft, CEO of renewable energy division at Siemens, said: “This order is an important stepping stone towards becoming one of the top two wind turbine supplier in the US. We look forward to working with PSE to further advance its renewable energy initiative in the United States.”