A subsidiary of the Florida Power & Light (FPL) Group, FPL Energy is the largest US generator of wind power, operating over 45 wind farms in over 15 states.

“It is important for FPL Energy to secure a reliable and economic source of wind turbines for use in projects we are developing today and into the future,” said FPL Energy president Jim Robo.

Siemens said the contract was important as it was the first US wind-power project the company had been awarded since it acquired wind turbine manufacturer Bonus Energy in December 2004.

“The wind power business, especially in the US and Canada, is more favorable now than it was in the past,” said Siemens Power Generation president Randy Zwirn.

“With the increased focus on clean renewable energy, as well as high natural gas prices and volatility, wind power is an increasingly attractive alternative. In addition, the recently passed Federal Energy Policy Act includes provisions for subsidies and tax credits for the development of renewable energy, which enhances the attractiveness for our customers,” Zwirn said.

In August 2005, Siemens Power Generation said the US Federal Energy Bill would stabilise the wind market, which had been facing a decline. At that time, it said it expected the US wind-generation market to remain at $US2.6 billion per annum.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, renewable energy companies such as FPL Energy expect increased interest in alternative energy sources and the tax incentives that accompany them.

Siemens Power Generation will begin delivery of the wind-turbines in 2006 and support the planned expansion of wind-driven electricity generation projects at FPL Energy.

"Wind projects continue to be an important part of the growth strategy for FPL Energy,” said FPL president Robo.

"The recent passage of the Energy Policy Act that contains a two-year extension of the wind production tax credit enables us to execute, without interruption, our wind development program.”