GE (NYSE: GE), a leading global provider of wind energy, will provide Comexhidro eight 2.75-megawatt (MW) wind turbines that will generate clean energy for public lighting in the municipality of Santa Catarina, Nuevo León. The wind farm will help Santa Catarina, Nuevo León, reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the amount produced by 10,000 cars a year. Comexhidro, the Mexican hydroelectric company, is leading the project’s construction and operation and Conduit Capital Partners is investing in the project.
"Through the perfect combination of GE’s technology and innovative solutions, combined with our local knowledge and experience of the grid, we will be able to offer important environmental benefits and a technological solution to meet the needs of the community for an efficient and sustainable energy supply," said Carlos Jinich, general manager, Comexhidro.
GE announced this project today at its Mexico Wind Energy Forum, where civic and industry leaders discussed the opportunities and challenges of wind power in Mexico. The Mexican Wind Energy Association estimates the country’s wind energy potential at more than 50,000 MW.
"This project is a breakthrough for the country. It supports the government’s commitment to increase investment in research and infrastructure and encourage private investors to produce clean energy and help reverse the effects of climate change. This strategic vision coincides with the strong commitment of GE in innovative solutions that solve today's environmental challenges and benefit society," said Héctor Villegas, sales director of GE’s renewable energy business in Mexico.
This year, GE is celebrating a decade in the wind industry with more than 18,000 wind turbines installed worldwide that generate 28 gigawatts of power. In Mexico, GE employs more than 4,600 people, 8,800 more through its joint ventures and has 13 manufacturing plants and the largest center for advanced engineering in the country, focused on the design of energy projects. Recent energy projects announced in country using GE equipment will generate roughly 2,000 MW, or the equivalent of powering 22 million Mexican households.