EIN Presswire: Wind Energy Press Releases

Environmental Protection Agency Names All Three Colleges in Wellesley - Babson College, Massachusetts Bay Community College/Wellesley Campus and Wellesley College - Green Power Partners

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Environmental Protection Agency Names All Three Colleges in Wellesley - Babson College, Massachusetts Bay Community College/Wellesley Campus and Wellesley College - Green Power Partners

PR Newswire

WELLESLEY, Mass., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named all three of the colleges located in Wellesley, MA - Babson College, Massachusetts Bay Community College/Wellesley Campus and Wellesley College - Green Power Partners. This makes Wellesley one of the first communities in the nation with all of its institutions of higher education named Green Power Partners.

By participating in the Town of Wellesley's Power to Choose Renewable Energy Program, the colleges are reducing the environmental impacts of their electricity use and supporting the development of new renewable generation capacity in New England.

The combined green power use of the three colleges amounts to more than 2.5 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually. This is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of more than 200 average American homes annually.

"Colleges and universities have an incredible opportunity to lead the way in reducing the risk of climate change by choosing green power," said Blaine Collison, Director of EPA's Green Power Partnership. "Babson College, Massachusetts Bay Community College/Wellesley Campus and Wellesley College are excellent examples of schools that are making this proactive choice and by extension, reducing carbon pollution and protecting public health. EPA is excited to welcome all three schools as Green Power Partners."

These colleges are committed to sustainability and are implementing a wide range of environmental initiatives including water conservation and waste reduction, as well as increasing energy efficiency while using renewable energy -- making Wellesley one of the greenest college towns in America. The students benefit from sustainability courses as well.

Babson has committed to adhere to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). Babson College is also a charter participant in the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS), a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to gauge relative progress toward sustainability.

In addition, Babson and Massachusetts Bay Community College are signatories of the American College and University President's Climate Commitment. Wellesley College is a Charter participant in the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS).

"All across the Babson campus there are staff, students and faculty tackling issues of sustainability and resource efficiency and working to solve these integrated challenges," said Shelley Kaplan, Associate Vice President, Facilities at Babson. "The Babson Sustainability Office works to support, enhance and coordinate these efforts," he said.

"For the past nine years, Massachusetts Bay Community College has realized a $1.6 million savings in its fuel and utility costs on its Wellesley Hills campus through management controls of its heating and cooling systems, installing LED lighting and lighting control mechanisms, and roof replacement projects," said Marco Brancato, Director of Facilities. "We are diligent in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our environmental sustainability."

"Wellesley College is pleased to partner with our neighboring colleges and the town of Wellesley for the Renewable Energy Program," said Andrew Evans, Vice President for Finance & Treasurer at Wellesley College.

"This partnership extends Wellesley's commitment to sustainability, and it builds on the conservation efforts of the College's institution-wide sustainability program. In the past six years the College has reduced electricity consumption by 25 percent. Through this partnership, we're delighted to continue our efforts with support for alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power."

Environmental sustainability is highly valued at Wellesley College. The College has shifted to integrated pest management and removal of invasive plant species, more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and increased use of local vendors to supply College needs.

Students are active partners, participating in programs that include a free bike-share program and Sustainable Move-Out, an effort to reduce the waste stream by donating clothing and household goods discarded by students leaving campus.

"We are proud to be part of a community where more than 10 percent of residents, and many retailers and educational institutions are minimizing their carbon emissions and moving toward using the Town of Wellesley's Power to Choose Renewable Energy Program as part of their overall carbon reduction goals," said Selectman Barbara Searle, Town of Wellesley. "The higher education community in Wellesley is strengthening the collective commitment to creating and implementing environmentally sustainable practices," Searle said.

Wellesley's Power to Choose Renewable Energy Program enables the Town, its residents, retailers and large users such as the colleges to choose renewable energy sourced primarily from Spruce Mountain, a wind farm in Maine. This gets the town of Wellesley closer to its goal of reducing energy usage 10 percent below the 2007 baseline by 2013.

For more information, please contact:

Babson College
Barbara Blair
781-239-4621
blairb@babson.edu

Massachusetts Bay Community College
Jeremy Solomon
781-239-3122

Wellesley College
Sofiya Cabalquinto
scabalqu@wellesley.edu

Wellesley's Power To Choose Renewable Energy Program
Phyllis Theermann
Phyllis@Theermann.com

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Green Power Partnership
Mollie Lemon
Lemon.Mollie@epa.gov

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise™. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE Babson College

RMT Completes Turbine Erection at KWP II Wind Project

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:30:00 +0000

RMT Completes Turbine Erection at KWP II Wind Project

RMT reaches significant construction milestone

PR Newswire

MADISON, Wis., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- RMT, Inc. (RMT), a renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in the design and construction of wind and solar energy generating facilities, completed final turbine erection and energized the electrical system at First Wind's 21-MW KWP II Wind project in Maui, Hawaii, in early May.

Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110822/CG55479LOGO)

"This is not only a critical construction milestone, but also a great technical accomplishment for our team, who experienced difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions," said RMT Vice President of Construction Operations Kenny Knecht. "This has been a complex project with challenges from every angle. I am proud of our ability to keep everyone onsite safe and to deliver a quality project to First Wind."

RMT began construction on KWP II in 2011. The company is providing engineering, procurement, and construction of the civil and electrical infrastructure, including the installation of 14 GE SE 1.5-MW wind turbines. The civil infrastructure includes roads, crane paths and pads, and turbine foundations. The electrical infrastructure includes a 34.5/69-kV substation, 34.5 kV electrical collection system, and interconnection to the 69 kV Maui Electric Company (MECO) transmission line. RMT is also responsible for tower erection, operations and maintenance building remodel, SCADA system, and storm water management design.

KWP II is an expansion of the existing 30-MW Kaheawa Wind. When complete in the summer of 2012, the expanded wind farm will have a combined capacity of 51 MW.

In addition to KWP II, RMT is currently building First Wind's Palouse Wind project in Washington and Kawailoa Wind project in Hawaii. RMT also led the construction of First Wind's Milford I & II wind projects in Utah, Kahuku Wind project in Hawaii, and Sheffield Wind project in Vermont.

About RMT
RMT is a leading EPC contractor specializing in the design and construction of wind and solar electric energy generating facilities. RMT's experienced construction crew is backed by in-house engineering and development support professionals. RMT's EPC renewable energy portfolio includes over 5,000 MW. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, and is a unit of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), an energy holding company. We build clean energy. It's all we do. Visit www.rmtinc.com.

For more information, contact:
Stacey Pisani
Senior Communications Specialist
Phone: 608-662-5384
Email: Stacey.pisani@rmtinc.com

SOURCE RMT, Inc.

RMT Commemorates Construction Startup at Palouse Wind

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:30:00 +0000

RMT Commemorates Construction Startup at Palouse Wind

RMT to serve as general contractor for the 105-MW project

PR Newswire

MADISON, Wis., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- RMT, Inc. (RMT), a renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in the design and construction of wind and solar energy generating facilities, joined First Wind on May 1, 2012, to commemorate the start of major construction at the Palouse Wind project in northern Whitman County, Washington.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110822/CG55479LOGO)

RMT is serving as general contractor on the site, providing engineering, procurement, and construction of the civil and electrical infrastructure, including the installation of 58 Vestas 1.8-MW wind turbines. The civil infrastructure includes roads, crane paths and pads, and turbine foundations. The electrical infrastructure includes a 34.5-kV electrical collection system, transmission line, and substation. RMT is also responsible for tower erection, construction of an operations and maintenance building, and storm water management.

RMT began civil construction at Palouse Wind in October 2011, and turbine erection will commence this summer. The project is expected to be online and operational before the end of 2012. When complete, Palouse Wind will be the largest renewable energy facility in the county, with capacity to generate enough clean energy to power 30,000 homes.

"We are pleased to be able to continue growing our relationship with First Wind, while bringing clean energy to the Northwest," said RMT President David Kutcher. "During construction, this project will create more than 150 jobs and result in $30 million of spending with local business. It represents a major investment in the future of Whitman County."

In addition to Palouse Wind, RMT is currently building First Wind's KWP II and Kawailoa Wind projects in Hawaii. RMT also led the construction of First Wind's Milford I & II Wind projects in Utah, Kahuku Wind project in Hawaii, and Sheffield Wind project in Vermont.

For more information, contact:
Stacey Pisani
Senior Communications Specialist
Phone: 608-662-5384
Email: Stacey.pisani@rmtinc.com

SOURCE RMT, Inc.

Lithium Batteries Prices Plunge To Displace Lead Acid Batteries In The Storage Markets

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:04:22 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Plunging prices and increased demand from electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers with a growing demand in the energy storage markets has positioned lithium to displace lead acid battery as market leader in the next few years. Only two years ago the price of $1,000 per kWh of lithium batteries was the norm, this year automakers are reporting 2013 quotations to be as low as $600 per kWh, with companies like Balqon Corporation already selling lithium iron phosphate batteries at $300 per kWh, a goal that experts thought was decades away.

Lithium battery worldwide revenues have doubled from $10 billion in 2009 to over $20 billion in three short years. Current estimates indicate that lithium battery manufacturers have geared up to capacity of $30 billion in batteries by 2015. Although lithium batteries are most known for their use in electric vehicles or lap top computers, yet the highest growth is expected to be in the stationary power and energy storage industry.

Electric vehicle market is benefitting from the lower lithium battery cost due to rapid growth in large energy storage system installations worldwide. In addition new markets such as cell towers, backup generator systems, and energy storage systems are rapidly replacing diesel powered generators and/or lead acid batteries with lithium battery packs.

Automotive EV manufacturer such as Balqon Corporation have quickly added energy storage to their product offerings, taking advantage of the cost parity of lithium batteries with lead acid batteries. New revenue streams generated utilizes existing electric vehicle experiences in the power management, inverter technology, and charging and battery management systems to stationary energy storage systems.

Earlier this year Balqon Corporation (BLQN.OB) installed a 1.1 mWh system at University of Riverside demonstrating its expertise in the energy storage sector. Last month the company also received an order for $630,000 from Port of Los Angeles to replace lead acid batteries with lithium batteries and also began shipment of 30 kWh lithium battery systems for mobile cell towers in USA, South Africa, Australia, India and Bangladesh. While Balqon is creating strategic partnerships with automotive OEM's in Asia and Europe it is at the same time seeking strategic partnerships in the renewable energy markets to develop new markets for its core technologies.

Lithium batteries have three times the life of an equivalent sealed lead acid battery and five times charge and discharge rates, key features for energy storage markets. With industrial sector products like forklifts, utility vehicles, UPS systems, golf carts and airport equipment manufacturers eagerly integrating lithium batteries into their product lines, replacing lead acid batteries, there is a a whole new revenue stream for EV manufacturers to explore during the next few years.

Where adoption of electric vehicles might still be in its infancy, lithium batteries are an efficiency multiplier for the energy storage markets. Battery manufacturers in United States have struggled to maintain cost competitiveness with their Asian competitors in this battery commodity market, it maybe that electric vehicle manufacturer lead the effort and take advantage of this opportunity in the energy storage market.

Israel Barajas and Ken McGraw Join Wind Energy Services Company (WES)

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:38:40 +0000

Israel Barajas and Ken McGraw Join Wind Energy Services Company (WES)

- Staff Additions Bolster Company's Commitment to Safety and Customer Service -

PR Newswire

GAINESVILLE, Texas, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wind Energy Services Company (WES) announced that two new teammates have joined the company.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120522/LA11924-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120522/LA11924-b)

Israel Barajas has been appointed HSE Manager with primary responsibility for programs and practices to maintain and enhance the company's industry-leading safety record. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the composites industry. The last 14 years he has been employed by various entities of the Molded Fiber Glass Companies, including operations in Mexico, Alabama and South Dakota. In addition to experience in the Safety and Environmental areas, his background includes quality, engineering, production, materials, scheduling and specific expertise in LEAN manufacturing.

Israel holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and an MBA, as well as a Health and Safety Management certificate from the University of Alabama.

In a newly created position of Field Account Manager/Sales, Ken McGraw will be responsible for supporting the company's business growth in North America. His prior experience includes ten years in industrial sales and customer service, including his most recent post as District Sales Manager for Dallas and East Texas at Klein Tools. He has a BS in Business Management from LeTourneau University.

Ken will be based at WES headquarters in Gainesville, TX and can be contacted at kmcgraw@windenergyserviceusa.com.

More information on WES is available on the company website at www.windenergyservicesusa.com.

WES will be exhibiting at the AWEA WindPower 2012 Conference in Atlanta, June 3-6. Booth #2255.

About Wind Energy Services Company

Wind Energy Services Company (WES) is a leader in the field of repair and maintenance services of composite wind turbine components to wind farm operators across North America. The company's expert technician teams are trained and equipped in advanced inspection methodologies to assess the condition of components, make on-site repairs, supply spare and replacement parts, and coordinate factory repairs.

Based in Gainesville, Texas, WES is the field service arm of MFG Wind, a comprehensive supplier of new composite components and aftermarket services for wind turbines. More information is available online at www.windenergyservicesusa.com and by phone at 877-349-2523.

About Molded Fiber Glass Companies

Molded Fiber Glass Companies (MFG) is a leader in the field of reinforced plastics and composites, serving diverse markets with a variety of composite material systems. The company has 16 operating entities in the United States and Mexico, strategically focused to supply high value, high quality products and manufacturing services for applications such as wind energy, automotive, heavy truck, defense, construction, material handling and water treatment. The company is headquartered in Ashtabula, OH and is privately owned.

Media Contact:
Camille Cox
OnRamp Communications
camille@onrampcomm.com
805.497.6400

SOURCE Wind Energy Services Company

Turbine platform with international certification key to obtaining financing

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:20:35 +0000

Vestas has won a sales contract of 49.4 MW with a new customer, Guangdong Yueneng Wind Energy, using Vestas’ internationally certified V90-1.8/2.0 MW turbines. Meeting strict requirements for the reliability of the turbines and the resulting business case has been a key element in this project for obtaining financing from the European Investment Bank. The 25 turbines are expected to be installed in the southernmost tip of Mainland China, Guangdong Province (Dengloujiao) during the third quarter of 2012.

Under the political directions set by the Chinese Government under the current macro-economic circumstances, Chinese banks are lending less money. For wind power projects which require substantial capital investments, obtaining financing from outside China provides an alternative source of funding and contributes to the continuous development of wind power in the country. However, international banking institutions have strict standards for evaluating wind turbines and the overall level of predictability on the return on investment of wind power projects. Thus, turbine manufacturers with good international reputation are preferred along with wind turbines that have international certification. Vestas’ 30 years of industry experience and its certified turbines have given Guangdong Yueneng an obvious choice. The V90 has previously been selected for several other projects along China’s south-eastern coast line, including Gaopai on Hainan Island as well as Qiulu in Fujian. As such, the V90 is a well-recognised turbine model by developers in the region.

Vestas China President Jens Tommerup says, “Chinese companies are now more aware of the necessity of partnering with an experienced international partner in their efforts to become more international. This project is a perfect example of how Vestas’ local knowledge and global footprint can provide a strong business case while also enabling a local player to receive financing from an international investment bank. Apart from being able to offer a bankable business case, Vestas has a presence in the industry of more than 30 years and in 69 countries, which is giving our Chinese customers a strong platform for internationalisation.”

Apart from the V90 turbines, Vestas’ product portfolio consists of V52, V60, V80, V100 and V112 turbines.

The Dengloujiao order includes the supply of wind turbines, installation supervision and commissioning, a Vestas Online® SCADA system and a two-year service and maintenance agreement. Delivery is scheduled to take place in the third quarter of 2012.

About Vestas

Vestas is the world leader in wind technology, with a history of technological innovation and over 30 years of experience in developing, manufacturing, installing and maintaining intelligent, high performing and high quality wind power plant solutions. Vestas was a pioneer in the wind industry and started to manufacture wind turbines in 1979.

Vestas installed China’s first wind turbines in Shandong in 1986, and as of 31 December 2011, Vestas has installed more than 3,400 MW of clean energy across 13 provinces in China. This makes Vestas one of the biggest accumulated suppliers of wind power plants in China.

Over the past 25 years, Vestas has established a firmly rooted presence in China with more than RMB 3.5 billion worth of investments and more than 3,100 employees, committed to delivering high quality wind energy solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Vestas has its largest integrated manufacturing complex globally situated in Tianjin, its China headquarters in Beijing, a factory in Hohhot, a global procurement office in Shanghai and a state-of-the-art foundry in Xuzhou.

Furthermore, Vestas has a Technology R&D Centre in Beijing, which is an important part of Vestas’ global innovation network and represents Vestas’ intention to bring the best of its knowledge to China. Furthermore, the R&D Centre is significantly increasing Vestas’ responsiveness to market demands and development trends in terms of new technology.

As the global leader in wind energy, Vestas is committed to helping develop China’s wind energy sector into a world-class modern renewable energy sector. Vestas is actively sharing its 30 years of industry experience and expertise with partners and stakeholders in the Chinese wind energy industry.

Contact details

For more information or to arrange an interview with Vestas China President Jens Tommerup, please contact:

William Lim
Tel: +86 10 5923 2022
Mobile: +86 1340 107 1475
Email: wilin@vestas.com

Vestas selected as preferred supplier to five wind projects in South Africa

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:10:00 +0000

With reference to Vestas Wind Systems A/S’ company announcement No. 20/2012 of 21 May 2012

Vestas, the world leader in wind energy, has been selected as the preferred supplier to five wind energy projects selected by the South African Department of Energy as part of the country’s second round of renewable energy tenders. The five projects have a combined nameplate capacity of 297 MW.
Vestas is the preferred supplier to the following projects:

West Coast 1, 94 MW, Developer: GDF Suez/IPR
SA Tsitsikamma, 95.33 MW, Developer: Cennergi (Pty) Ltd.
Grahamstown, 24.60 MW, Developer: EDF EN France
Grassridge, 61.50 MW, Developer: EDF EN France
Chaba, 21.53 MW, Developer: EDF EN France

Combined with the first round of tenders announced in December of 2011, Vestas has won preferred supplier status for seven projects totaling 435.10 MW – approximately 36 per cent of the approved wind projects in South Africa.

“Vestas is very pleased to be recognised by our potential customers and the industry as a preferred supplier,” says James White, Sales Manager for Vestas Southern Africa. “We see yesterday’s news as further proof of our focus on building the wind energy industry in South Africa and ensuring that we contribute to the social and economic development of South Africa and its people.”

“The tender process puts a strong emphasis on local content. These projects will not only deliver clean energy, but also benefits to the communities where these projects will be built. This includes skills development through Vestas’ integrated education, training and career opportunity structure that will help to develop and train a workforce that meets the skills requirements of the promising renewable energy industry in South Africa.”

Vestas and the project developers have six months to reach financial close, by which point Vestas must negotiate and finalise turbine supply, service and maintenance and construction contracts.

Vestas has been active in South Africa for 10 years, and opened an office serving Southern and Eastern Africa in 2010. Vestas is committed to South Africa for the long term and committed to the sustainable development of the South African wind energy sector through sharing its 30 years of experience and knowledge.

About Vestas

Every single day, Vestas wind turbines deliver clean energy that supports the global fight against climate change. Wind power from Vestas’ more than 46,000 wind turbines currently reduces carbon emissions by approximately 50 million tons of CO₂ every year, while at the same time building energy security and independence. Today, Vestas have installed turbines in 69 countries, providing jobs for approximately 20,000 passionate people at our service and project sites, research facilities, factories and offices all over the world.

We invite you to learn more about Vestas by visiting our website at vestas.com.

Contact details

For more information, please contact:

Christina Buttler
Communications, Vestas Central Europe
Tel: +49 40 46778 5153
Mobile: +49 (0) 160 90141736
Email: chbut@vestas.com

Future Wind Energy Leaders Gather in Belfast, Maine

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Date: 5/21/2012

More than 150 students, teachers, and energy professionals from Maine engaged in wind power activities at the 2012 Energy for ME Energy Fair, hosted by the Island Institute on May 4. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. EPA, Energy for ME enables middle and high school students to analyze energy generation and usage data to prepare for energy-related careers and to compete to become the most efficient community on the coast. At the Energy Fair, students participated in hands-on workshops that included constructing and testing floating wind turbine platforms, participating in KidWind Project activities, and analyzing data to understand how to site wind turbines. Students presented on their energy projects, including developing a 100-kW wind project on a high school campus, participating in the Maine Wind Blade Challenge, and comparing the U.S. and German offshore wind industries. Representatives from First Wind met with students to discuss the company's projects in Maine and ways to prepare for a wind energy career. More information on the Energy Fair is available or by contacting Suzanne MacDonald.

Renewable Energy on Contaminated Land: Tools for Local Governments Webinar

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Date: 5/22/2012

2:00 p.m. EDT
This webinar will provide an overview of tools available to local governments to help them build renewable energy projects on contaminated land in their communities. One of the tools that will be highlighted is a Wind Energy Decision Tree created to screen potentially contaminated and underutilized sites.

Wind Powering America Publishes 30-Meter Wind Resource Maps

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Date: 5/22/2012

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory published 30-meter (m) height, high-resolution wind resource maps for the United States and all 50 states. The maps are a key piece to understanding a state's wind resource potential from a small wind project development and policy perspective and represent the first modern national map of the resource for small wind turbine deployment available to the public. Wind resource maps are now available on the Wind Powering America website for small (30-m height), community (50-m height), utility-scale land-based (80-m height), and utility-scale offshore (90-m height) wind power assessments. The 30-m height maps were made available in collaboration with AWS Truepower.

Information in the market regarding projects in South Africa

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:12:21 +0000

Today, there is information in the market regarding Vestas being appointed preferred supplier for five projects in South Africa.

Vestas can confirm we have been appointed preferred supplier for five projects in South Africa with a total capacity of 297 MW. If the further negotiations between the developers and Vestas will result in firm and unconditional orders, Vestas will make a company announcement immediately thereafter.
Vestas discloses this announcement based on Vestas’ obligation as a Danish listed company, ref. the Securities Trading Act, section 27(2).

Contact details

Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Denmark
Lars Villadsen, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel.: +45 9730 0000

Information in the market regarding projects in South Africa

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Today, there is information in the market regarding Vestas being appointed preferred supplier for five projects in South Africa.

Contact details

Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Denmark
Lars Villadsen, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel.: +45 9730 0000

Siemens receives its first wind power order in Chile

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Siemens receives its first wind power order in Chile

PR Newswire

ORLANDO, Fla., May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Energy has received an order for a total of 50 wind turbines with a combined capacity of 115 megawatts (MW) for the El Arrayan wind power plant in Chile. This wind project will be developed as a joint venture between Pattern Energy and AEI, two leading independent energy companies developing projects in Chile because of its great potential for sustainable energy development and its strong investment climate. Furthermore, the mining division of Antofagasta plc, which is the parent company of Minera Los Pelambres, the power offtaker, has purchased an equity stake in the El Arrayan project. The scope of supply encompasses delivery, installation and commissioning of the 50 SWT-2.3-101 wind turbines, including a five-year service and maintenance contract. Installation of the project is scheduled to begin in spring 2013, with commissioning of the wind power plant planned for early 2014.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )

"This will be the 10th wind power project that we are partnering on with Pattern Energy, and it is further evidence of the collaborative, long-term relationship our two companies enjoy. We greatly value Pattern Energy's confidence in our technologies and are very pleased to partner with them once again as they continue to provide clean, renewable energy to citizens in South and North America," said Mark Albenze, CEO of the Siemens Wind Power Americas Business Unit. "The El Arrayan wind power plant is our first project in South America outside Brazil and marks our entry into the Chilean market. We look forward to growing our presence in this region." The Global Wind Energy Council concluded that Chile has good wind resources from the northern deserts to the extreme South and estimates the country's wind energy potential to be around 40 GW. Other Siemens wind orders in South America include three projects with a combined capacity of nearly 300 megawatts (MW) in Brazil, which will be installed in 2012 and 2013.

The El Arrayan Wind Farm is located approximately 400 kilometers north of Santiago on the coast of the Coquimbo IV Region. Once completed, it will be the largest wind project in Chile and provide clean and renewable energy to power the equivalent of approximately 200,000 local households. Seventy percent of the energy generated by the wind power plant will be dedicated to supply power to Minera Los Pelambres, one of the most important mineral producers in the country. This will allow Minera Los Pelambres to advance its objective toward sustainability, based on the replacement of conventional energy by wind power generation with carbon credits for 160,000 tons of CO2 per year.

Wind Power is part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2011, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about EUR30 billion, making Siemens one of the world's largest suppliers of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by nearly 320 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of Berlin, Delhi, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo.

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world's leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for power generation in thermal power plants and using renewables, power transmission in grids and for the extraction, processing and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2011 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of EUR24.9 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR31.8 billion and posted a profit of EUR3.9 billion. On October 1, 2011, the Energy Sector had a work force of more than 82,000. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/energy.

SOURCE Siemens Energy

BELECTRIC Becomes the First Company in the World to Install 1 Gigawatt of Photovoltaic Power

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:11:52 +0000

The global market leader has achieved a historic milestone. With the commissioning of multiple pv systems at the beginning of this week, BELECTRIC has become the first company in the world to install more than 1 GWp of solar power.

KOLITZHEIM, GERMANY, May 21, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The global market leader BELECTRIC has achieved a historic milestone for the solar industry. With the commissioning of multiple photovoltaic systems at the beginning of this week, BELECTRIC has become the first company in the world to install more than 1 gigawatt of photovoltaic power, which corresponds to the system output of a large conventional power plant. "This is an outstanding event for BELECTRIC and the photovoltaics industry in general. My special thanks go to all the employees who have driven forward the development of the company in all parts of the world in the past 10 years," stated Bernhard Beck, CEO of BELECTRIC, with no small measure of pride at this shared achievement. "At BELECTRIC, we employ over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction and maintenance. Our machine park, the development and production of system components in our production areas and the in-house construction of power plants are the unique selling points of our company."

The breaking of the 1 gigawatt barrier and the company's tenth anniversary, which was celebrated this month, both give us occasion to reflect on the success story of our company. BELECTRIC's ascent to the position of global market leader has been continual and based on substance, with the company never resting on its successes or simply banking on state subsidies. Research, innovation and quality are the key terms for the dynamic and sustainable history of the company: "Much of that which is today seen as standard in the photovoltaics industry was researched, developed and brought to market readiness by BELECTRIC," stated Chief Sales Officer Martin Zembsch, with regard to the most important success factors. The partners BELECTRIC works with in project business are another important success factor. When it comes to modules, BELECTRIC relies on the expertise and years of experience of First Solar and Solar Frontier. Both module manufacturers are financially stable and long term orientated.

BELECTRIC has long been the innovation leader in the industry. From the start, the focus has been on making solar power generation competitive with fossil fuels. The development of grid-stabilizing solar power plants makes the functionality of solar power generation equal to that of large conventional power plants and enables the intelligent integration of renewable energy sources in existing electricity networks. BELECTRIC will continue to use its innovative strength for establishing solar power worldwide. New technologies, as implemented by BELECTRIC, make it possible to develop this switch to alternative energy sources in a cheaper and more effective manner all around the world and are the keys to the integration of renewable energy sources in the network - another area in which BELECTRIC aspires to assume a pioneering role in the future.

About BELECTRIC: BELECTRIC is the global market leader (2010 & 2011) in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC's position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Further information at www.belectric.com

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RMT to Construct Seven Wind Projects in 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:30:00 +0000

RMT to Construct Seven Wind Projects in 2012

Wind projects add 555 MW to RMT's renewable energy portfolio

PR Newswire

MADISON, Wis., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- RMT, Inc. (RMT), a renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in the design, engineering, and construction of wind and solar energy generating facilities, is adding 555 MW to its renewable energy practice in 2012.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110822/CG55479LOGO)

RMT's 2012 construction portfolio consists of the following seven wind projects:

Auwahi – Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, 24 MW, Maui, Hawaii
Colorado Highlands – Alliance Power, 67 MW, Logan County, Colorado
Kawailoa – First Wind, 69 MW, Oahu, Hawaii
KWP II – First Wind, 21 MW, Maui, Hawaii
Laurel Hill – Duke Energy, 69 MW, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
Palouse – First Wind, 104 MW, Whitman County, Washington
Post Rock – Wind Capital Group, 201 MW, Lincoln & Ellsworth Counties, Kansas

"Wind energy projects are growing more complex—with tighter budgets and schedules—particularly in 2012 with the pending PTC expiration," said RMT President David Kutcher. "RMT remains focused on safely providing our clients with high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective design, engineering, and construction services. That is our culture and our commitment."

RMT entered the renewable energy market in 1996, designing, engineering, and constructing wind energy facilities. RMT's construction team is backed by in-house engineering and site development support professionals. As one of the only firms to self-perform both engineering and construction services in the renewable energy space, RMT provides an experienced team that works together across all project phases to deliver continuity of project vision and real-time solutions to complex project challenges.

RMT will be attending the AWEA WINDPOWER 2012 Conference & Exhibition June 3-6, 2012, in Atlanta, Georgia.

About RMT
RMT is a leading EPC contractor specializing in the design and construction of wind and solar electric energy generating facilities. RMT's experienced construction crew is backed by in-house engineering and development support professionals. RMT's EPC renewable energy portfolio includes over 5,000 MW. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, and is a unit of Alliant Energy Corporation(NYSE: LNT), an energy holding company. We build clean energy. It's all we do. Visit www.rmtinc.com.

For more information, contact:
Stacey Pisani
Senior Communications Specialist
Phone: 608-662-5384
Email: Stacey.pisani@rmtinc.com

SOURCE RMT, Inc.