Renewable-energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power and the fourth largest wind turbine manufacturer, Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd. signed a 50/50 joint venture to build the first phase of the Ckani Wind Farm in the Antofagasta region of Northern Chile. The agreement was signed in Dublin during the “Ireland–China Trade and Investment Forum” which was attended by Xi Jinping, Vice President of The People’s Republic of China.
Under the terms of the agreement, Chicago based Goldwind USA, a subsidiary of Goldwind, will supply 47, GW87, 1.5-MW wind turbines. This is the third collaboration between Mainstream and Goldwind, and their second deal in Chile. In December last year Mainstream purchased 23 Goldwind GW87 1.5-MW wind turbines for the 34.5 MW Negrete Cuel Wind Farm in central Chile.
The Ckani wind farm, which received environmental approval in December 2011, has a total potential capacity of 240 MW and has been developed by Mainstream since 2009. It will be connected to the SING Electrical System and this first 70-MW phase is expected to start construction by end of 2012. Mainstream plans to have all 240 MW operational by 2015.
“Mainstream’s goal is to deliver low cost, high quality renewable energy projects by partnering with Chinese technology manufacturers such as Goldwind,” says Mainstream Chief Executive Eddie O’Connor. Mainstream has over 15,000 MW of wind and solar projects globally and our Chinese partners have the world-leading technology which is ready to deploy cost-effectively and at scale.”
“We are pleased to partner with Mainstream Renewable Power on the Ckani project,” said Goldwind USA CEO Tim Rosenzweig.“With Goldwind’s Permanent Magnet Direct Drive technology and our ability to offer a variety of financing solutions, including project finance debt, and preferred and common equity, we believe Goldwind is well-positioned for continued success throughout North and South America.” In addition to the Ckani and Negrete projects in Chile, Goldwind also secured a deal for a 16.5-MW project in Ecuador in late 2011.
Goldwind USA
www.goldwindusa.com
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