Dublin-based renewable energy and energy storage group Gaelectric and XEMC VWEC, part of the Chinese XEMC Group, are co-developing three Irish wind farms. The venture 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 – Roosky in County. Roscommon, Leabeg in County Offaly and Crowinstown in Westmeath – totalling 13.6 MW of wind power. The value of the initial co-development projects amounts to Eur18 million.
XEMC is one of the larger industrial groups in China. Through its acquisition of Dutch renewable energy technology firm, Darwind in 2009, XEMC has consolidated its position as leaders in the development of Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator technologies which have distinct technical and commercial advantages in a wide range of applications. Direct Drive PMG turbine technology avoids the requirement for generator gearboxes, thereby reducing weight and improving reliability. XEMC is supporting the further development of this PMG technology with its development of a 5 MW turbine for deployment in off-shore settings. A prototype of this offshore dedicated 5MW turbine has recently been installed at a turbine test centre in the Netherlands.
XEMC group chairman, Zhou Jianxiong, comments: “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. We are particularly pleased that the sites that we intend to co-develop with Gaelectric are very suited to establishing our Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) turbine technology as the leading global wind generation technology delivering low service and maintenance costs, competitive pricing, and high availability and annual yield.”
“Our alliance with XEMC is a significant strategic step for Gaelectric. 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,” comments Brendan McGrath, chief executive of Gaelectric.