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Wind Turbine Generators Go Domestic

Clean energy power generators may soon be produced stateside if the University of Delaware's test goes well.

There are more than 8,000 components in a wind turbine, and 400 manufacturers in the U.S. supplying some of the parts, according to the American Wind Energy Association. The domestic wind power industry could be getting more work thanks to the University of Delaware’s testing of what's thought to be the first generator specifically manufactured in the U.S. for wind power production, reported the Cape Gazette.

The two-megawatt generator, manufactured by Spain-based engineering and manufacturing firm Gamesa, was lowered into a 250-foot test turbine in Lewes, Delaware, on July 26.

“Gamesa is leading the way with technology and supply chain enhancements that will drive down the cost of energy for the benefit of American consumers and businesses,” said David Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and communications for Gamesa. After testing, Gamesa plans to manufacture generators in Wisconsin.

Many parts of wind turbines are manufactured in the U.S., but generators are typically made in Europe and shipped to the U.S. for assembly. Manufacturing generators domestically, Rosenberg said, will reduce supply chain lead time, improve availability of spare parts, and create American jobs in the clean energy industry.