Technology company American Superconductor Corporation is targeting Turkey’s fast-growing wind power sector to help build its power electronics and wind turbine businesses.
The US company’s wind turbine subsidiary AMSC Windtec has licensed its proprietary WT1650 wind turbine design to Model Enerji Ltd, Turkey’s first megawatt-class wind turbine manufacturer. It aims to begin production of the turbines by the end of 2009 for installation in projects in Turkey as well as in surrounding Mediterranean and East European countries.
Under the deal, Model Enerji has exclusive rights to manufacture, sell, install, operate and maintain the WT1650 in Turkey, where installed wind power capacity grew by nearly 200 per cent in 2007. It also has non-exclusive rights for the technology in surrounding countries.
“Because of its vast wind resources, open terrain and industrial infrastructure, Turkey is predicted to be among the world’s fastest growing wind energy markets,” said M. Celal Keki, general manager of Model Enerji. “Utilising AMSC Windtec’s designs and expertise, our company will be the first wind turbine manufacturer in Turkey and is ideally positioned to capitalise on this advancing market.”
Istanbul-based Model Enerji plans to manufacture the 1.65 MW turbines, which use a doubly-fed induction generator drive train, in Turkey’s Ankara industrial zone. It plans to have the first prototype installed and commissioned in mid-2009.
Turkey’s electricity demand is growing at around seven per cent annually and the country’s government is promoting wind power to bolster energy security and reduce emissions. The Global Wind Energy Council has referred to Turkey as the next “giant market on Europe’s doorstep”.
AMSC will receive an upfront license fee as well as a royalty payment for the first 425 units manufactured by Model Enerji. It also has the right of first refusal to provide the electrical systems needed for the units.
“Turkey has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and, like all growing economies, it needs more sources of power generation to enable its continued strong growth,” said Greg Yurek, AMSC founder and chief executive officer. “Model Enerji has a first-mover advantage in this dynamic market and has the technical expertise, strong management and experienced partners needed to achieve long-term success.”
Model Enerji also has a right of first refusal to license a 2 or 2.5 MW wind turbine design from AMSC Windtec that will use a full-conversion permanent magnet generator.
Turkey’s wind power capacity stood at 146 MW in 2007. The Turkish Energy Market Regulatory Agency is expected to offer licences for up to 10 000 MW of wind energy in the coming years and says that 30 000 MW would eventually be feasible.
Linkedin
