Siemens receives first U.S. order for wind turbine

Siemens Energy, Chicago, has announced its first U.S. order for 33 units of the SWT-2.3-101 wind turbine. Purchased by Minnesota Power, the turbines will be used in the Bison I wind project, located near Center, N.D. The first 16 turbines are planned for installation in 2010; the remaining 17 units of phase two will be installed in 2011. When completed, the wind farm is expected to generate up to 75 megawatts, providing clean power for more than 22,500 homes in Minnesota.

With a diameter of 101 meters, the rotor of the wind turbine has a swept area of 8,000 m², which equals 1.5 football fields. Features include an automated lubrication system, internal climate control, and a simplified generator system without slip rings.

The Siemens Energy Sector supplies products and services for the generation, transmission, and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion, and transport of oil and gas.