Wind energy in Brazil: First Chinese wind turbines order

Sinovel, has signed a wind power contract with Brazilian renewable power generating company, Desenvix, a subsidiary of the Engevix engineering group. Sinovel will deliver a total of 23 SL1500/82 wind turbines for a 34.5 MW wind farm in Sergipe, Brazil.

The Barra dos Coqueiros wind farm is expected to be commissioned by July 2012. Sinovel will deliver the turbines by December 2011. "This deal is a good beginning for both Sinovel and Desenvix. It strengthens the green energy presence of Desenvix and opens the door for Sinovel to the Latin American market. With the successful model of the Barra dos Coqueiros wind farm, the whole market is now aware that the wind farm solution from China is not only attractive but feasible", said Mr. Lecheng Li, Senior Vice President of Sinovel Wind Group.

Sinovel has also decided to build a manufacturing facility in Brazil to show its strong commitment to this market, the location of which is under investigation.

"The Chinese Dragon is coming; Chinese suppliers are looking to deploy their technologies in the markets in which we’re operating…" President and CEO of Desenvix Mr. Jose Antunes Sobrinho said.

Mr. Weidong Zhou, Chief Director of China Development Bank Corporation in South America, attended the contract signing ceremony, saying: "The relationship between China and Brazil is very important nowadays. We would like to see more cooperation between companies from these two countries".

By José Santamarta, www.evwind.com