GE Vernova will invest $50m in an assembly line to make components for its 6MW onshore wind turbines.
The line will be installed at GE Vernova’s Schenectady, New York, facility and the company will also hire approximately 200 new full-time employees including skilled union operators, manufacturing engineers, as well as leadership roles.
GE Vernova will assemble critical components for 6.1-158 onshore wind turbine in Schenectady, including the machine head, hub and drive train to help meet demand in the US.
The turbine is designed for low-to-medium wind speeds and is equipped with an innovative carbon two-piece blade design, offering improved logistics and increased output from hard-to-reach sites.
The manufacturing assembly line will be installed in the building where GE Vernova today continues to manufacture steam turbines and generators, and is anticipated to be completed by summer 2023, with the first set of components produced by early autumn.
The recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act has played an important role in the investment, revitalising the market, increasing demand for renewable energy and enabling energy security and competitiveness.
New York State has also agreed to provide up to $2.5m though Empire State Development’s Excelsior Jobs Program.
Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova, said: “We applaud the administration for the recent domestic content guidance, which gives us the certainty to move forward on this exciting project and look forward to supporting additional guidance.
“We’re proud to expand our American manufacturing footprint and workforce to continue building and innovating energy technology that is cleaner, by bringing wind turbine component assembly-and an estimated 200 new jobs-to New York.
“This state, and the Capital Region, are an important part of GE’s history and this investment will strengthen Schenectady’s role in driving the energy transition in the future.”
GE Vernova, the company’s portfolio of energy businesses, is planned for a tax-free investment grade spin-off from GE in early 2024.
The portfolio includes Renewable Energy, Power, Digital and Energy Financial Services.