Goldwind USA, in partnership with Mainstream Renewable Power win bid for 106.5MW Shady Oaks Wind Farm project in Illinois, USA

Chicago, IL: Goldwind USA, the US arm of the world’s 5th largest wind turbine manufacturer, was informed by the Illinois Power Agency recently that it had been selected to provide energy from the 106.5 MW Shady Oaks project in Lee County, Illinois. As part of the successful bid, Goldwind will now acquire the project from Mainstream Renewable Power, the well-known global wind farm developer with whom they partnered to participate in the IPA’s competitive process.

The project will be governed by a 20 year renewable energy offtake agreement from ComEd through the Illinois Power Agency’s long term procurement plan and will be Goldwind’s second turbine project in the United States, following its installation of turbines in Pipestone, Minnesota in January 2010. Mainstream will continue to play a central role in the project through the development and construction stages to assist Goldwind in delivering the project through to commercial operation.

“We are elated to have been selected to build this project and to bring critical jobs and opportunity to the local wind industry in Illinois,” said Tim Rosenzweig, Chief Executive Officer of Goldwind USA. “Since opening our offices in Chicago in May of this year, we have made tremendous progress in our short time here and this news serves as an exciting step forward for our young company. We are thrilled to partner with Mainstream on this project and are eager to continue our growth with them and other partners who share our goal to grow the global wind industry.”

Commenting on the announcement, Mainstream’s CEO, Eddie O’Connor said: “Mainstream is all about great partnerships founded on shared values and aligned objectives. Our success today comes down to the strength of our relationship with Goldwind and our joint mission to provide low-cost, reliable renewable energy to the US. This is a great day for Mainstream and Goldwind.“

The Shady Oaks project will feature 71 of Goldwind’s 1.5 MW Permanent Magnet Direct Drive (PMDD) turbines.

Much of Goldwind’s success internationally can be attributed to its decision to embrace PMDD technology well before its competitors. According to multiple studies, PMDD turbines have shown to be more reliable, efficient and cost effective than geared turbines. As part of its international expansion, Goldwind has placed a key focus on the utilization of local content and sourcing.

While figures aren’t yet finalized, Goldwind estimates that the project will create over 100 US construction and permanent jobs. Goldwind’s commitment to the local wind industry was further demonstrated through its recent $26M US deal with the Timken Company, an Ohio-based bearings manufacturer. As a result of that deal, the Timken Company will provide bearings for Goldwind’s 1.5 MW and 2.5 MW turbines.

Contacts:

Goldwind USA:
Colin Mahoney [email protected], +1-617-970-4418

Mainstream Renewable Power:
Elly Williamson [email protected] +44 (0)7970 246725
Patrick d’Ancona Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 7768 981 256

About Goldwind USA, Inc.

Goldwind USA was established in early 2010 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd. Goldwind USA leverages a global network of facilities and partnerships to offer a variety of wind power solutions including sales, manufacturing, operations and other services to customers throughout the Americas.

With offices and facilities throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas, Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd is ranked among the leading wind turbine manufacturers in the world. www.goldwindglobal.com

About Mainstream Renewable Power

Mainstream Renewable Power was founded by Eddie O’Connor in 2008 to develop wind and solar plants globally. The company has a global development portfolio of over 12,000MW both onshore and offshore across four continents.

Mainstream is Europe’s leading offshore wind developer with 5,420MW over three projects in Scotland, England and Germany.

The company is developing the 4,000MW Hornsea zone off the east of England with its joint venture partner Siemens Projects Ventures.

It was awarded the rights to develop the zone by The Crown Estate in December 2009 and plans to start construction in 2014. Mainstream is actively developing wind and solar plants onshore in the US, Canada, Chile and South Africa. www.mainstreamrp.com