In November, Avantis Energy received an order for 80 of its flagship turbines, the AV 928, from Hanoi-based the Thanh Tung Group. The 2.5-MW machines will be installed in Mau Son starting mid of 2010, at a rate of 30-50 MW per year. According to Avantis, this is the largest wind farm project to date in Vietnam.
The turbines will be manufactured in nearby Beihai (China), where Avantis operates a joint venture with local partner Yinhe. The Chinese joint venture will also supply a service station close to the border. Aside from the turbine sales, Avantis has also signed a service agreement with the Thanh Tung Group, providing full service and maintenance for a period of 10 years. Avantis will also take care of the turnkey erection of the wind farm. The total project is valued at over €200 million.
Being a direct drive turbine with a water-cooled permanent magnet generator and other water-cooled equipment, the 2.5-MW turbine is low on maintenance needs and therefore well suited for the remote border area. Its 92 m rotor has been designed to withstand class I storm loads, so that the turbine is prepared for possible typhoons in this area.
Avantis sees Vietnam as an important growth market for its Asia-based factories. With diminishing generation from hydro and rising import costs for coal, the country is expected to come up with a fixed power price arrangement soon, including a substantial CDM portion.
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