UKRAINE ADDITION

In an attempt to replace power from the Chernobyl nuclear plant a joint venture intends to put up 1000 turbines. The joint venture is financing the project, but extra money is being requested from the US government in connection with proposals to close Chernobyl.

Five more 100 kW wind turbines based on the Kenetech Model 56-100, with 85% local content, will be installed thus autumn in the Ukraine in a venture to replace power from the Chernobyl nuclear plant. By the end of 1994, another 30 Model 56-100 turbines will be installed at the same site, with 100% local content, says Kenetech. They will join five locally manufactured turbines and three prototypes which have already been installed at the Lake Donoslav site, on the Crimean Peninsula.

According to the first announcement of the project, 1000 turbines were to have been installed by the end of the year. In 1993 Kenetech signed a joint venture with PHB Ukraine Ltd named Windenergo Ltd.

The joint venture manufactures turbines designed and licensed by Kenetech for the domestic and export markets. It also develops and constructs wind farms in the Ukraine and potentially other areas of the former Soviet Union. Windenergo has a contract with utility Krimenergo to develop a 500 MW project, to be owned by the utility. Finance is provided by the joint venture, while additional money is being requested from the US government in connection with proposals to close Chernobyl. The project is significantly behind schedule because of Ukraine's weak economy.