Suzlon's German arm REpower cracks Turkish wind power market with major supply deal

Delhi: REpower Systems AG, in which Suzlon Energy Limited is a majority shareholder with over 90 per cent holding, has concluded a contract with Al Yel Elektrik, a subsidiary of Akuo Energy SAS, to deliver 44 wind turbines for a project in Turkey. Suzlon is among the world's top three wind turbine suppliers by market share.

Akuo Energy develops, finances and operates renewable energy projects across the globe, focusing on wind and solar farms. It has operations in Europe North, South America and India. Akuo Energy's headquarters are in Paris, France.

The Turkish company is an independent power producer that originates, develops, and secures the debt financing for renewable energy infrastructure projects. Akuo Energy's target is to develop and operate a 3,000 MW portfolio over the next three to five years.

The turbines of the REpower 3.XM series, which are at 3.37 megawatts (MW) with a hub height of 80 meters, are destined for the Geycek wind farm in Kirsehir province East of Ankara.

This is the first time the Hamburg-based manufacturer of wind turbines has supplied, machines to Turkey. REpower will subsequently be in charge of service and maintenance for the turbines over the first 12 years of operation.

The wind turbines are set to be delivered in summer 2011 and to be commissioned shortly after. With 44 turbines and a total generating capacity of 148.28 MW, Geycek will be REpower's biggest wind farm in Europe to-date. The contract is subject to conditions precedent.