"We’re investing in wind energy in America because we believe that wind power is here to stay. The U.S. is one of the most important wind power markets in the world and by opening our first nacelle assembly facility in the U.S., we are closer to our customers, allowing us to better meet the strong demand for clean energy right where it’s used," stated Eric Spiegel, CEO of Siemens Corporation.
"We are optimistic that there will continue to be a long-term support system for wind power in the U.S., which will serve to solidify our country’s growing energy independence using this clean and abundant natural resource to fulfill a sustainable electricity demand." With a five-year average growth rate of 39 percent and nearly 37 GW of installed wind power capacity, the U.S. is currently ranked number one globally in terms of installed capacity.
Senator Sam Brownback said, "The grand opening of the Siemens wind nacelle manufacturing plant is great news for the Hutchinson community and the state of Kansas. The expansion of renewable energy infrastructure is critical as America looks for ways to decrease its dependence on foreign, non-renewable energy resources. I look forward to all the ways my home state of Kansas will take the lead on increasing national access to wind energy as we continue to grow the Kansas economy and create jobs."
The new 300,000-square-foot facility is located in the heartland of the U.S. with great highway and rail access to ship completed nacelles to wind farms in the U.S. and throughout the Americas. The factory will produce nacelles for the company’s 2.3-MW and 3.0-MW wind turbines. The nacelle is the structure atop of a wind turbine tower that holds the electricity generating components.
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