Vacon Plc, Stock Exchange Release, October 11, 2007 at 1 p.m.: The AC drives manufacturer Vacon has made a significant contract with The Switch, a Finland-based manufacturer of permanent magnet generators and power converter packages that are used in wind turbines. This contract strengthens Vacon's foothold in the fast-growing wind power market."The wind power market is growing very fast due to climate change. This significant contract with The Switch is so far our largest delivery to wind power production. I am convinced that our strong cooperation with The Switch will benefit both parties," says Mr Heikki Hiltunen, Executive Vice President, Vacon."The Vacon AC drives we have now ordered will be delivered as a part of our system to various customers to be installed into hundreds of wind turbines globally," says Mr Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen, President and CEO, The Switch. The Vacon AC drives will be built on liquid-cooling technology, and they will be delivered during the year 2008. The permanent magnet generators and power converters are today the preferred solution in new wind turbine designs. When the Vacon AC drive is used for the control of the permanent magnet generator, the mechanical stress to the system is decreased, the power quality requirements of electricity can be met and efficiency is improved. The wind power market is today about EUR 15 billion, and it is expected to double during the following two years. In 2006, investments to various forms of renewable energy amounted to USD 45 billion. These investments increased the world's wind power capacity by 13 gigawatts and solar energy capacity by 2.5 gigawatts. The Switch solutions support the battle against climate change. They transform untapped energy into electricity and contribute to its efficient use. The company makes innovative power electronic systems and drive-train concepts for OEM and system integrator customers. Vacon in brief: The Vacon Group was founded in 1993 for one purpose only: to create, develop and provide AC drives worldwide. The company's ambition is to meet the most demanding needs of customers looking for the ultimate in performance, ease of use and reliability. Vacon offers AC drives in the power range of 0.25 kW...5 MW. In 2006, the Group revenues totalled EUR 186.4 million. Vacon Group Further information: Mr Heikki Hiltunen, Executive Vice President, Products and Markets, Vacon Group, mobile +358 (0)40 8371 609 Press contact: Ms Catarina Fant, Director, Brand Management and Communications, Vacon Group, mobile +358 (0)40 8371 276, e-mail catarina.fant(at)vacon.com www.vacon.com
Vacon delivers AC drives to hundreds of wind turbines
| Source: Vacon.