Alstom to collaborate with the Catalan Institute for Energy Research (IREC) as an innovation partner to promote wind power research

Alstom, a leading provider of power generation infrastructure, today signed an agreement with the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) to collaborate with the IREC over the next seven years to help promote wind power research projects.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alstom will participate in the definition of the IRECs areas of activity as well as contribute to the development of new technologies for the wind power sector. Alstoms collaboration will place special emphasis on the development of offshore wind power technologies, specifically deep-sea applications, and on the integration of wind power into the electric grid, a strategic area of research.

Alstom Wind is pioneering wind turbine modelling for grid simulation and dynamic transient models for grid and wind farm behaviour simulation in low voltage events.

This agreement once again attests to Alstoms commitment to the development of renewable energy while offering solutions for a balanced, sustainable and competitive energy mix to ensure energy security. It also confirms the companys commitment towards Catalonia, where Alstom Wind is headquartered, with more than 350 employees.

The IREC was created in April 2008 to help create a more sustainable future for energy usage and consumption through scientific and technological development. Following long-term priorities set by Catalonia, Spain and the European Union, the IREC aims to contribute towards cutting carbon emissions by half by 2050 in the fight against climate change.

At Alstom Winds Research and Development (R&D) centre in Barcelona, more than 150 highly qualified engineers work exclusively to develop the wind turbines of the future. The latest generation of Alstom wind turbines, the ECO 100 and ECO 110, were designed in Alstoms Barcelona R&D centre and are amongst the most powerful wind turbines in the world. First prototypes were installed in El Perelló (Tarragona) and Loma Viso (Albacete). Today Alstom Wind has installed or is installing over 80 MW ECO 100 wind turbines.

Alfonso Faubel, Vice President for Alstom Wind, declared that energy technologies are a key factor for transforming the energy sector into a real economic opportunities for Spain. Mr. Faubel stressed the importance of sustained research and innovation: Cutting edge technology enables Alstom to offer power operators lucrative solutions that minimise the energy industrys effects on the environment. Faubel added: it is thanks to Alstoms global network of R&D staff and facilities 23 development centres and 13 laboratories worldwide that we can design leading state-of-the-art technology and offer a wide range of proven, highly reliable products.

Alfonso Faubel added that Alstom Winds R&D centre in Barcelona confirms the companys commitment to research. We are proud to collaborate with the IREC because we share objectives to develop wind power technologies for a more sustainable energy future, and reinforce Spains competitiveness in the power sector.

The Director of the IREC, Antoni Martínez, said that "It is very satisfying and at the same time challenging for IREC to participate in the technological developments of a company like Alstom; supporting the industrial sector with our knowledge in order to achieve greater technological competitiveness in the renewable energy sector is one of the main motives behind the creation of our institute. We are convinced that IREC´s collaboration with Alstom in marine wind energy will have a significant international impact."

About Alstom:
Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, and provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind. Alstom brings international expertise and extensive knowledge of local markets as a fully integrated provider of clean, efficient and technologically advanced power system solutions in all key energy markets. The Group employs around 76 500 people in 70 countries and had sales of 19,7 billion in 2009/2010.

Alstom Wind designs, assembles and installs a wide range of onshore wind turbines spanning 1.67 MW to 3MW. The company has taken a significant part of the development of the Spanish wind energy market, which is ranked second in Europe. Alstom Wind currently generates about 50% of its sales from other European countries. To date, it has installed over 1850 wind turbines in over 100 wind farms, corresponding to a total capacity of over 2200 MW.

Press Contacts:
Andrés López Morancho
Alstom Spain
Tel.: +34 91 334 58 00 /+ 34 609 06 92 30
andres.lopez-morancho@crn.alstom.com

Gemma Soler
Alstom Power
Tel.: + 34 93 474 88 00 / +34 619 892 083
gemma.soler@power.alstom.com
www.alstom.com

Press Contact IREC:
Ivón Martínez
Tel: +34 93 356 26 15
imartinez@irec.cat
www.irec.cat 

• Power Press Release 3.2