China Invests in its First US Wind Power Projects, Most Parts to be Made Overseas

photo: contri via flickr

Here's another first in the world of wind power: The first time the Chinese government has invested in wind farms in the United States. Tang Energy has announced that it has secured $300 million in financing from CATIC International Trade and Economic Development, a subsidiary of state-owned China Aviation Industry:The funds will be used to develop up to 250 MW of wind power projects by the end of 2010. Locations currently being considered are in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Texas and Virginia. The projects will be developed through Tang Energy's subsidiary, Soaring Wind Energy.

Over Half of Project Materials to be Made in ChinaIn a move that could well raise some hackles in the US, considering the potential for wind power manufacturing jobs in the midwest, only 40% of the materials needed for the wind farms are to be made in the domestically. The remainder, and all of the turbine's nacelles, are to be made in China. At least some of the blades are to be made by HT Blade, China's largest wind turbine blade manufacturer.

via: CleantechWind PowerChina Will be the Biggest Wind Power Equipment Manufacturer by End of 2009Vestas to Make Custom Wind Turbine for China
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