AMSC and HHI expand wind power strategic alliance

American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd (HHI) have announced that they have expanded their strategic alliance to include the joint development of a 5MW full conversion wind turbine primarily for use in the burgeoning offshore wind industry. Under the terms of the alliance, the 5MW wind turbine design will be jointly developed by HHI and AMSC’s wholly owned AMSC Windtec subsidiary. Once HHI begins volume production of the wind turbines, which is expected to commence by the end of 2011, HHI will purchase power electronic components for the 5MW wind turbines from AMSC. Under the terms of the new development contract, HHI will have the ability to market, manufacture and sell 5MW wind turbines globally.