American Superconductor enters Turkey wind market

Devens, Mass.-based American Superconductor (Nasdaq: AMSC) said today that it has licensed its WT1650 wind turbine design to Model Enerji in Istanbul, Turkey, marking American Superconductor's first move into that country.

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but Model Enerji has exclusive rights to manufacture, sell, install, operate and maintain the 1.65 megawatt turbines in Turkey and has non-exclusive rights for the surrounding Mediterranean and Eastern European countries.

"Because of its vast wind resources, open terrain and industrial infrastructure, Turkey is predicted to be among the world's fastest growing wind energy markets," said M. Celal Keki, general manager of Model Enerji.

"Utilizing AMSC Windtec's designs and expertise, our company will be the first wind turbine manufacturer in Turkey and is ideally positioned to capitalize on this advancing market."

Model Enerji plans to manufacture the turbines in Turkey's Ankara industrial zone, with its first prototype installed and commissioned in mid-2009 and production starting by the end of 2009.

In addition to an upfront license fee, American Superconductor will receive a royalty payment for the first 425 wind turbines manufactured by Model Enerji. American Superconductor will also be providing the guts of the machines. The company has a right of first refusal to provide the electrical systems needed for all of the wind turbines manufactured by Model Enerji.

Last week, American Superconductor announced that its high temperature superconductor system is being tested to help naval ships cloak their magnetic signatures (see U.S. Navy goes stealth with superconductors). The high temperature superconductor, or HTS, is part of a degaussing system that will undergo sea trials over the next two years.

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