AMSC receives $445m multi-year order from Sinovel Wind

American Superconductor Corporation today announced it has received a new multi-year order worth approximately $445m (£301m) from Sinovel Wind Group Co, the world's third largest wind turbine manufacturer.

Under the terms of the agreement, AMSC will begin shipping core electrical components for Sinovel's 1.5 megawatt (MW) wind turbines (branded the SL1500) in early 2011. Shipments under the new contract will span a period of 30 months. AMSC is currently shipping 1.5 MW core electrical components under a multi-year contract that extends through early 2011.

"We are proud to extend our strategic business alliance with Sinovel, which has proven consistently to be a leader in wind turbine technology," said Greg Yurek, founder and chief executive officer of AMSC. "Since starting up production in 2006, Sinovel has grown more rapidly than any wind turbine manufacturer in the world. This new order will support Sinovel's continued production of SL1500s. At the same time, Sinovel plans to increase production of its 3 MW wind turbines, which are installed and operating in China's first offshore wind farm and also being marketed for onshore applications. In addition, Sinovel expects to install its 5 MW prototype by the end of 2010. These higher power systems, which Sinovel developed utilising AMSC Windtec designs, are also equipped with AMSC's power electronics."