Mainstream signs deal with China’s Sinovel Wind Group to deliver 1,000MW of wind projects in Ireland by 2016

Global renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power today signed a deal with Chinese wind turbine manufacturer  Sinovel Wind Group, which will see 1,000MW of wind energy projects being built in Ireland over the next five years.

The deal could see the world’s second largest wind turbine manufacturer consider local supply chain opportunities in Ireland if the Irish Government commits to long-term wind targets. Under the terms of the deal Mainstream will develop and construct the projects, with Sinovel providing the technology.

Mainstream, which is currently developing over 16,000MW of wind and solar projects globally, has recently opened an office in Beijing where it is actively forging relationships with leading Chinese technology suppliers looking to access its portfolio of projects across Europe, the Americas and Africa.

Eddie O’Connor, Mainstream’s founder and CEO commented:  “China is central to Mainstream’s strategy. Right now we’re developing over 16,000 megawatts of projects around the world, and Chinese suppliers are looking to deploy their technologies in the markets in which we’re operating. As an independent global developer we’re the ideal partner and our aim is always to provide the lowest cost renewable energy.”

He continued: “This is our second deal with a leading Chinese wind energy company in six months and for us it is just the beginning. We have the global portfolio of projects, they have the world-leading technology which is ready to deploy cost-effectively and at scale. It’s a great fit. And a deal like this has the potential to bring substantial manufacturing opportunities to markets like Ireland.”

Sinovel’s Senior Vice President, Lecheng Li, said: “Sinovel is China’s largest wind turbine manufacturer and our international strategy is central to our expansion plans. Europe is an important part of that strategy and our relationship with Mainstream allows us to deploy our technology with a partner that understands the strength and depth of our organisation and the support that we can bring to projects.”

He continued: “The first of these projects in Ireland will go into construction later this year and we plan to supply Mainstream with a steady flow of turbines through 2012 and 2013 reaching an average of 250MW per annum from 2014 onwards. As we gain certainty on project execution schedules we will review our plans for localising operation and maintenance activities as well as possible component manufacturing.”

About Sinovel Wind Group Co., Ltd.

Sinovel Wind Group Co., Ltd. is China’s first specialised high-tech enterprise that has independently developed, designed, manufactured and marketed large-scale onshore, offshore and intertidal series of wind turbines adaptable to a global variety of wind resources and environmental conditions. In 2010 Sinovel added installed wind power capacity of 4,386MW, ranking No.1 in China and No.2 in the world.  Sinovel has always been a leading innovator in China’s wind power equipment manufacturing industry.

In September 2010 Sinovel signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with the China Development Bank which will provide Sinovel with $6.5 billion to support their growth and international expansion plans.