GE to Provide Wind Energy in Scotland

BARCELONA, SPAIN—March 10, 2014—10 GE-1.6 megawatt (MW) wind turbines for the Langhope Rig Wind Farm in Scotland. Once operational, the 16-MW Langhope Rig Wind Farm will generate the equivalent energy needs of approximately 15,000 Scottish homes (based on household consumption of 3,300 kWh a year). It is located on the Scottish Borders, approximately 5 kilometers west of Ashkirk, and 4 kilometers southeast of Ettrickbridge.

“GE’s wind turbines were the right fit for the Langhope Rig Wind Farm site, and we are pleased to be working closely with GE as construction at the site progresses,” said Kirstanne McDowell, corporate affairs (wholesale), SSE Renewables.

The Scottish government’s target for renewable electricity generation is for renewables to generate the equivalent of 100 percent of gross annual consumption by 2020, with a new interim target of 50 percent by 2015. The Langhope Rig project, with the support of GE, aims to help the Scottish government achieve its challenging renewable energy targets.

SSE is the largest generator of electricity from renewable sources across the U.K. and Ireland. As of September 2013, SSE had 3,237 MW of renewable energy capacity in the U.K. and Ireland.

“Wind energy is fast growing in Scotland and we are proud to help bring a cleaner source of power to the region,” said Cliff Harris, general manager of GE’s renewable energy business in Europe.

Langhope Rig Wind Farm has a hub height restriction of 82.5 meters and a blade length restriction of 40.2 meters. GE’s 1.6-82.5 wind turbines, which have a hub height of 82.5 meters, will be used at the site. GE also will provide operations and maintenance for the wind farm working in conjunction with SSE under their long-term, strategic fleet management arrangements.