Wind farm deal boosts hopes of greater prize
Members of the XEMC delegation at Stormont during their visit to Belfast last year, from left, Richard Kane, chairman Titan Energy Associates, then Junior Minister Robin Newton, Mr Fengtai Cheng, managing director XEMC Darwind BV, Dr. Peter McCormick, former CEO, Titan Energy Associates, and Hugo Groenemans, operations director XEMC Darwind BV.
THE future growth of the renewables sector in the province has been boosted by a deal announced yesterday between green energy firm Gaelectric and the Chinese XEMC Group, a global leader in wind turbine development.
The firms have signed contracts to co-develop three Irish wind farms, and a Letter of Intent to co-develop Gaelectric’s pipeline of wind energy projects on the island of Ireland.
This will see the first commercial deployment of XEMC VWEC wind turbines in Europe with the deployment of the new XV90 turbines at three Gaelectric on-shore sites at Roosky in Co Roscommon, Leabeg in Co Offaly and Crowinstown in Westmeath totalling 13.6 MW of wind power. The value of these initial co-development projects amounts to 18 million euro.
However, the deal also brings some more hope for up to 600 jobs that could be created in Belfast as the Chinese giant looks to set up a European manufacturing base for its turbines.
A delegation from the company visited Belfast this time last year looking for a suitable site for a turbine assembly plant and blade factory.
A decision is expected soon and the city is fighting other European centres but at risk is investment of more than £95 million.
The visit was facilitated by Belfast-based Titan Energy Associates (TEA), XEMC’s European and North American marketing and distribution partners.
Yesterday TEA chairman Richard Kane said the Gaelectric development would have a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy confirming both companies’ intent to co-develop a strong development pipeline on both sides of the border.
“This is another important step forward from last year, when a senior delegation of XEMC officials visited Belfast to explore potential manufacturing locations for their onshore and offshore turbines.”
Commenting at a contract signing ceremony with Gaelectric at its headquarters in Dublin, XEMC Group Chairman, Zhou Jianxiong, said: “Gaelectric’s pipeline of wind farm projects in key locations, combined with our shared focus on innovation in renewable energy technologies, makes us ideal allies in co-developing Gaelectric’s portfolio of renewable power projects.”
Gaelectric CEO, Brendan McGrath, said the alliance was a “significant strategic step”.
“With the backing of XEMC’s industrial strength and technological capacity, and their track record and commitment to long term relationships, we are confident that Gaelectric’s portfolio of wind farm sites will be realised to the highest commercial and technical standards.”
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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