The turbines will be installed in the Big Turtle wind farm being developed by Heritage Sustainable Energy in northeast Michigan (US). The deal includes a 12-year operation and maintenance services agreement.

The Gamesa G114-2.0 MW wind turbine has low power density and a rotor spanning 114 m, which gives it a sweep area 38% greater than that of the G97-2.0 MW, while it produces 20% more energy a year.

"The G114-2.0 MW is the most competitive turbine in its segment anywhere in the world,” claimed José Antonio Malumbres, Gamesa chief technology officer. “Its development represents a significant evolution of the 2 and 2.5 MW turbines that will produce a major game changer in terms of significantly lowering the cost of generating power from wind.”

"Delivering a low cost of energy is one of the key drivers behind sustained growth in the wind industry,” said Gonzalo Onzain, vice president of sales for Gamesa in the US. “Our G114-2.0 MW model represents an important milestone in the evolution of an already proven technology. Its significantly higher capacity factor reduces the cost of energy by 10 per cent and will help keep electricity prices down in Michigan.”

The ten G114-2.0 MW turbines are scheduled for delivery mid-2014, while the facility is slated for commissioning towards the end of next year. Heritage has already secured a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with DTE Energy under which the latter will buy the power produced by the new wind farm for the next 20 years.

Gamesa has already installed 28 MW of turbines at Heritage's Garden wind farm, also located in Michigan.