Airtricity to buy 250 General Electric wind turbines

(03/12/2007)

Dublin-based Airtricity has agreed to buy 250 General Electric 1.5 MW turbines in a deal worth $330 million (£163 million). The turbines are due for delivery in 2009 and will help the firm's business in the Texas, Midwest and north-east markets of America.

Speaking at the Irish Embassy in Washington DC, Michael Martin, Irish minister for enterprise, trade and employment, said that Irish firms could lead the way in the development of renewable energy.

Airtricity North America chief executive Declan Flanagan said: "Airtricity has enjoyed a long-term relationship with GE and we are pleased to have secured another deal for turbines. This deal follows Airtricity's strategy to secure turbines well in advance of project commencement."

Airtricity is now the fifth largest generator of wind power in the US and employs 80,000 people. The firm has 15 wind farms in operation throughout the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the US, producing almost 500MW of power.

Related categories:  Wind power