GE Enables More Wind on New England’s Transmission Network

  • First Wind’s Oakfield Wind Project to Generate 148 MW; Enough to Power 50K Homes
  • GE’s Synchronous Condenser Solution to Improve Power Stability
  • GE’s Energy Management Team Provides Custom Analysis and Tailored Solutions

PARIS, FRANCE – August 25, 2014 – While the integration of wind energy continues to have broad public policy support consumers are playing a larger role to ensure their electricity provider is using higher levels of renewable power to meet their clean energy expectations.  To address the growing demand, GE’s Digital Energy business today announced that its Synchronous Condenser technology will be used in First Wind’s Oakfield wind farm in northern Maine to support the public’s demand for wind energy.

“The Oakfield project is moving forward, bringing economic development to Aroostook County and will soon be delivering renewable power to New England homes.  We have worked closely with Reed & Reed, Inc., our BOP Contractor, and GE’s Energy Management team on this, and they’ve provided us custom engineering analysis and technology solutions to build a power network that conforms to the region’s unique requirements and optimizes the grid’s existing infrastructure,” said Michael Alvarez, President of First Wind. “The technology that will be installed at Oakfield will better help us deliver clean energy to the region and support its renewable energy targets.”

Synchronous Condensers increase the grids strength and improve the voltage stability, allowing a wind turbine to operate in an otherwise weak grid.  GE’s synchronous condenser systems are custom designed to provide transmission operators with a proven and reliable solution. This allows utilities to deliver the promise of clean energy to their customers.

“In the US and around the globe transmission grids are being linked to support the expansion of renewable energy.  First Wind is an example of a power provider that is using state of the art technology and strategies to ensure their wind farm is delivering optimal power to their customers,” said Bob Turko, General Manager, GE Digital Energy. “To support the continued success of wind and solar power, we are providing the renewable industry with electrical solutions to ensure the grid is resilient enough to anticipate and withstand power fluctuations, and recover from damage incurred during storms and other major events.”

The Oakfield wind farm will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2015.

GE’s Digital Energy business is a global leader in transmission and distribution solutions that manage and move power from the power plant to the consumer. Its products and services increase the reliability of electrical power networks and critical equipment for utility, industrial and large commercial customers. From protecting and optimizing assets such as generators, transmission lines and motors, to delivering analytic tools to help manage the power grid, GE’s Digital Energy business delivers industry-leading technologies to solve the unique challenges of each customer. For more information, visit http://www.gedigitalenergy.com/.