Siemens receives new U.S. orders for 70 wind turbines for Texas

Siemens Power Generation’s (PG) wind power division has received an order for 161 megawatts (MW) of wind turbines for the Wildorado Wind RanchTM, which will be located near Amarillo, Texas. These turbines have the potential to meet the electricity demand of more than 50,000 households. The Siemens scope of supply consists of 70 2.3 MW MK II turbines, including towers and transportation to the site, installation, startup and commissioning, and a five year service and maintenance agreement. The project is scheduled for commissioning in spring 2007. The Wildorado Wind RanchTM was developed by Cielo Wind Power, LP, of Austin, TX in conjunction with Edison Mission Group (EMG) of Irvine, CA.

Siemens Power Generation is demonstrating a strong growth in the wind energy business. Last year, the company almost doubled its production capacities for wind turbines. In 2005 Siemens PG signed a contract for one of the largest wind orders in the world. For Florida Power and Light Energy, LLC, the company erects wind farms with a total installed capacity of 600 MW at various U.S. sites.

Within the past year, wind power projects in the U.S. increased in total capacity by 2,431 MW, with an investment volume of more than USD3 billion. This resulted in an increase of 36 percent, which puts the U.S. at approximately 9,149 MW of installed capacity of wind power. For the current year, experts forecast a further increase in demand for wind farms. "Due to the U.S. Congress’s prolongation of the production tax credits for wind power, and due to the high prices for oil and gas, this market experiences positive developments now and in the near future," said Andreas Nauen, head of the wind power division of Siemens PG. "With many states in the U.S. implementing renewable portfolio standards wind power is clearly becoming a mature and more stable long term market. Siemens Wind Power expects to be a very strong player in the U.S. wind market," Nauen added.

The Power Generation Group (PG) of Siemens AG is one of the premier companies in the international power generation sector. In fiscal 2005 (which ended September 30), Siemens PG posted sales amounting to approximately EUR8.1 billion and received new orders totaling EUR11 billion. Group profit amounted to EUR951 million. On September 30, 2005, PG had a work force of approximately 33,500 worldwide.