CSA Z463 Electrical Maintenance -
Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.
- Live Online
- 6 hours Instructor-led
- Group Training Available
GE China renewable energy initiatives target wind power growth, smart grid integration, and utility-scale batteries through joint ventures, local manufacturing, and stimulus-driven investments to support turbines, grid storage, and efficient power distribution.
The Latest Developments
GE partners in China on wind, smart grid, and utility-scale batteries to localize storage for low-carbon power.
- Chongqing joint venture to manufacture wind turbine gears
- Supports 2.5-4 MW projects; up to 2,000 units per year
- Utility-scale batteries to enhance smart grid stability
- Commercial rollout of battery tech targeted for 2011
- Growth driven by stimulus, tax perks, and local JV partners
U.S. conglomerate General Electric's technology infrastructure unit is on the prowl for partnerships to boost its rail and wind power gear businesses in China, the unit's China chief executive said.
"We are always looking for partnership opportunities in various configurations in China as part of GE's China expansion plans outlined recently," Tim Schweikert, president of GE Technology Infrastructure China, said at the Reuters Global Climate and Alternative Energy Summit.
Cash perks and tax breaks for renewable energy projects have spurred growth in China's wind power market as the country becomes the world's fourth largest wind power producer.
Both the renewable energy and rail sectors are expected to benefit from China's 4 trillion yuan (US$585.9 billion) economic stimulus package.
Schweikert said the company was also working with potential partners for the application of utility-scale batteries in China.
"We are developing battery technology that we think will have terrific application in China, particularly in the renewable space as China develops its smart grid capability," he said.
U.S. conglomerate General Electric is investing heavily, including over $2 billion in China to develop utility-scale batteries that could store large amounts of energy and aid in the efficient distribution of electricity to end-users.
"We think that is going to be a high growth area," said Schweikert, as GE expects a surge in China sales from energy storage.
The company said the technology was still in the development stage, though the plan is to commercialize the battery early 2011.
Capitalizing on growth opportunities in the mainland, the company has established with China's Chongqing XinXing Fengneng Investment a gear-making joint-venture, where GE is taking a minority stake.
Schweikert did not disclose details of the partnership but said the joint-venture targets to make gears for turbines supporting large wind power projects with capacity of 2.5 megawatt to 4 megawatts.
The joint venture will have a capacity to produce up to 2,000 units yearly. The facility, based in Chongqing, China, will start producing gears in the third quarter next year.
"We are always looking at different options relative to partnerships from wholly owned investments such as a facility to partnerships like that with Xinxing," said Schweikert, who cites the gear business as a "significant revenue earner" for GE's China business.
The company chief said GE seeking joint-ventures under plans to localized its operations in China.
"Our intent is to make China our second home," said Schweikert.
Related News
Related News
TotalEnergies to Acquire German Renewables Developer VSB for US$1.65 Billion
Idaho gets vast majority of electricity from renewables, almost half from hydropower
Soaring Electricity And Coal Use Are Proving Once Again, Roger Pielke Jr's "Iron Law Of Climate"
Data Show Clean Power Increasing, Fossil Fuel Decreasing in California
Wind Power Surges in U.S. Electricity Mix
Sen. Cortez Masto Leads Colleagues in Urging Congress to Support Clean Energy Industry in Economic Relief Packages
Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter
Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.
Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE
- Timely insights from industry experts
- Practical solutions T&D engineers
- Free access to every issue