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GE Energy Financial Services has invested equity in three Atria Power wind projects under construction in India, supporting GE’s commitment to invest USD $1 billion annually in renewable energy projects worldwide. The wind farms will have a combined capacity of 126 MW and will support the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s program to generate competitively priced grid-interactive wind power through feed-in tariffs. Financial details were not disclosed.
Located in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, the 25.6-MW first project is expected to reach commercial operations in September. The two other projects, each 50 MW, are located in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh, and are expected to reach commercial operations in December and June 2015 respectively. Off-take arrangements for the projects have not yet been finalized.
The projects will use GE 1.6-87.5 wind turbines, serviced by GE under an operations and maintenance agreement, to generate 76 MW of the total capacity. Additional turbines will be supplied and serviced by another manufacturer to generate 50 MW. Atria Power is managing construction and operations.
“GE’s global experience, financial structuring capabilities and commitment to advanced technology complements our strategy to develop low-cost renewable energy projects with maximum energy output,” said Sunder Raju, Director at Atria Power.
Raghuveer Kurada, business leader for India and South East Asia at GE Energy Financial Services, added, “Partnering with Atria Power, a strong and accomplished regional energy player, accelerates our global growth and India wind portfolio.”
(Photo: the 25.6 MW Atria Power wind farm which scheduled to begin commercial operation in September.)