27 November 2007
Initial discussions started in 1993 and resulted in the first production converter order in 2004.These first 1000 units have a combined energy output of 2,500 Megawatts – the equivalent of two conventional power stations. Many of the converters are now in service in Europe and North America. In Britain, the converters are in use at a new offshore wind farm at Burbo Bank near Birkenhead.Produced at Converteam’s Kidsgrove plant, the converters form the heart of the internal workings of the wind turbine system. The giant rotor blades, driven by wind, turn the generator which produces electric power. The converter then takes that supply and transfers it to the national grid at a constant frequency and voltage that consumers can use. The occasion was marked with a plaque unveiling followed by a reception at Crewe Hall, UK. Among the assembled guests were long-serving members of the Converteam staff that had worked on the project since its inception, along with local councilors and Advantage West Midlands representatives.‘The Council is proud to be associated with Converteam and wished to congratulate them and their workforce on achieving this significant milestone,’ said Cllrs Robin Studd, portfolio holder for regeneration and planning at Newcastle Borough Council. ‘The company is a leading edge manufacturer, important to both the north staffs economy and because of the contribution they are making to address climate change through their wind turbine technology.’ Ian Shaw, operations manager for Converteam, said: "As the importance of renewables travels up the corporate and governmental agenda, it is increasingly evident that wind and wave power herald the future for energy. Early adopters like Siemens Wind Power have been quick to invest in this vital area and we are proud to bring our substantial renewables expertise to help realise their visions for wind energy.”
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