Dutch tech to advance wind turbines in Brazil

A Brazilian firm is implementing Dutch technology to manufacture components for its wind turbines. Brazil’s Flessak Energia Eolica and Netherlands firm Global Blades Technology (GBT), which have formed a joint venture company, have opened a manufacturing plant in Toledo, Brazil, to develop turbine blades. 

The plant will develop moulds for Flessak’s 900 kW direct drive turbine blades. Moulds are tools used in the blade production process. The direct drive turbine, for which Flessak recently acquired a license, aims to advance the Brazilian wind market. 

Flessak’s and GBT’s company, GBT do Brasil Equipamentos Eolicos (GBTB), will use a GBT technology package to manufacture the moulds and develop the 26m-long blades. The GBTB manufacturing facility will house two production lines, which will focus on different development processes for the blades.

Arthur Schuler da Igreja, the managing director of GBTB, said: “The start of GBTB is a great next step in the growth of wind energy in southern Brazil. With the pull from the new Flessak turbine and with the technology and global network of GBT we are in the perfect position to deliver technically advanced blades. Capacity will be available to serve other party’s blades needs as well.”

Flessak, a longstanding producer of generators associated with hydropower, is aiming to expand into the wind market with the turbine and component facility. GBT has suggested that Flessak’s turbine will target specifically the Deep South of Brazil. The company expects the turbines to be ready for the Brazilian market next year.