News | Energy Efficiency

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/wind/ge-acquires-wind-turbine-tower-technology-provider-wind-tower-systems.html

General Electric (GE) has acquired what it describes as next-generation technology in the wind turbine tower space through the buy-out of Wind Tower Systems.

It said the need for taller, cost-efficient towers is becoming an important factor in the wind industry as blade lengths increase.
Victor Abate, vice president for renewable energy GE Power & Water, said he sees great potential in the addition of this technology to our portfolio.
‘Taller towers are an essential complement to longer blades. Longer blades capture more energy and in turn improve return on investment for wind farm developers.’
The companies have plans underway to install a prototype of the GE’s space frame tower system technology to validate and test its design later this year with commercial availability targeted for 2012.
Thomas Conroy, CEO of Wind Tower Systems, said, ‘The taller space frame towers and integrated lifting system concepts, developed with the support of the US Department of Energy and California Energy Commission, have been designed to drive lower wind energy costs.’