Located 65 miles from the capital city of Montevideo, the project will comprise 21 of Nordex’s N117/2400 2.4 MW wind turbines on 91 meter towers. The deal will see the first Latin American installation of this turbine model, which is designed specifically for light wind sites.
Until recently, Latin America was considered a region of vast potential - but lagging in concrete action. Now it seems Latin America’s renewable landscape is finally starting to take shape. In addition to Nordex, other high profile companies are working in the region, including ABB, which last year secured a key order to supply substations and transmission infrastructure to increase wind-generated electricity in Brazil’s energy mix.
The electricity produced by the project will be used by Usinas y Trasmisiones Eléctricas (UTE), Uruguay’s state power company, under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Akuo Energy. Uruguay, which has almost no hydrocarbon resources, is aiming to boost its energy security by dramatically increasing its renewable energy capacity.
“This is an exciting time for Uruguay,” said Juan Negro, CEO of Akuo Energy Uruguay. “We are happy to play a role as the country moves forward with its plans to diversify its energy matrix and incorporate wind energy as its primary source of renewable energy.”
“We know from our past experiences with Nordex that our two companies together will deliver the quality and performance that UTE and the people of Uruguay demand. We’re pleased to be leading with the introduction of the Nordex N117/2400 in Latin America.”
The deal continues the companies’ on-going collaboration, following their work on French wind projects. “It is especially rewarding to extend our existing relationship with Akuo to a new country and a new continent,” said Ralf Sigrist, CEO of Nordex USA. “We are excited by the opportunities that Uruguay can offer as it fulfils its commitments to a renewable energy future.”
He added: “We know that our N117/2400, which is specifically designed for high yield in light wind regimes, will help to maximise the potential. The resulting net capacity factor for this site confirms how well-suited this turbine is for the prevailing conditions.”
Nordex will be responsible for delivery, installation and commissioning and for on-going maintenance for a minimum of 10 years under a Premium Service Contract.