A consortium including GE (NYSE: GE) and Spanish energy services company Tamoin Energías Renovables signed the largest single GE wind turbine maintenance agreement in Europe with Iberdrola Renovables S.A. of Madrid. The contract with Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest wind energy companies, covers servicing 310 GE wind turbines installed in Spain.
The agreement is set for three years with an option to extend for two additional years and provides the foundation for a long-term relationship among Iberdrola, GE and Tamoin. GE will act as the technology partner in the consortium to provide high availability and reliability for the installed GE wind turbine fleet by supplying parts, specialized labor and technological support, while Tamoin will supply skilled labor.
The scope of the agreement includes planned and unplanned maintenance for the GE wind turbines at the following Iberdrola wind farms: Cuesta Colorada, Cerro Calderón, Cerro Palo, Muela 1, Maza, Calleja, Isabela and Sierra Quemada y Gavilanes.
“Our goal, in collaboration with our partner Tamoin, is to provide Iberdrola with the highest level of service to help optimize operations while maximizing production,” said Ramon Paramio, Europe wind services leader at GE’s renewable energy business.
The GE-Tamoin consortium has been working with Iberdrola for the past two years under an existing services agreement at Iberdrola wind farms in Germany and Poland. In addition, GE has provided equipment and services to Iberdrola for a wide range of energy projects over recent years, including the thermal, aeroderivative and renewable energy sectors.
The services unit of GE’s renewables business has been growing rapidly. GE more than doubled its investment in services research and development in both 2010 and 2011, as it continues to build a world-class portfolio of services. GE’s wind service solutions incorporate the company’s advanced technology, global resources and service facilities and a network of skilled, highly trained local technicians who are closely connected to GE’s engineering organization. GE service agreements give customers access to GE’s suite of wind turbine upgrades, which are based on technology evolution and in-depth product knowledge.