To connect the 33 kV and 155 kV networks of the Butendiek project---- To deliver and integrate all critical power equipment---- Provide innovative AC/AC connecting technology to reduce cost and maintenance

Mechelen, May 07, 2014: Avantha Group Company CG has successfully performed the marine load-out of a high-voltage offshore substation, part of the German "Butendiek" offshore wind farm project for Western Power Distribution (WPD) offshore solutions GmbH; thus achieving an important milestone. The Butendiek offshore substation was successfully loaded onto the sea barge in Hoboken, Antwerp. Installation will now be completed and the substation will be commissioned offshore. The 288 MW wind farm consists of 80 turbines of 3.6 MW each, and will supply renewable energy to 370,000 households. It is situated in the German North Sea, approximately 32 km to the West of the island of Sylt, in shallow water depth of 19–22 meters and favourable soil conditions. Built by CG, the substation will ensure grid connection with grid operator TenneT TSO via the SylWin-Cluster.

CG won the contract from WPD offshore solutions GmbH, a leading developer of wind farms globally, to design, engineer and supply the offshore high voltage substation in 2011. CG is delivering and integrating all critical power equipment such as power transformers, high and medium voltage switchgear, and auxiliary reactors and transformers to connect the 33 kV and 155 kV networks of the Butendiek project. The substation at Butendiek is the most complex component of the plant; it provides complete redundancy and protection against failure, ensuring that no wind turbine is adversely impacted.

CG's connecting technology was chosen for this project due to its high reliability, superior performance and cost effectiveness. This solution includes an innovative AC/AC connection link for offshore wind farms developed by CG. The technology has already been deployed in other platforms in the North Sea, such as the Belwind and Northwind offshore wind farms. Its advantages include minimal weight and lower costs, and is designed for reduced but optimal maintenance compared with traditional high-voltage AC/DC solutions.

Offshore wind is a major component of Europe's target to harness 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources. Currently, there are 11 offshore wind farms under construction representing about 3 GW in power generation capacity. In the pipeline are projects amounting to 22 Gigawatt capacity, which have received the go-ahead to be built and developed. (Source: EWEA 2013 Annual report).

Commenting on the order, Avantha Group Company CG's CEO and Managing Director, Laurent Demortier, said: This is an important milestone achieved by the CG offshore wind project team for WPD offshore solutions GmbH. CG is a market leader in the offshore wind farm transformer segment and our unique technology for offshore wind farm connections, along with other offerings in the renewable energy sector, is being increasingly recognised in the industry."

About Avantha Group Company CG

Avantha Group Company CG is a global pioneering leader in the management and application of electrical energy. With more than 15,000 employees across its operations in around 85 countries, CG provides electrical products, systems and services for utilities, power generation, industries, and consumers. The company is organized into four business groups: Power, Industrial, Automation and Consumer. CG clocks US$ 2.3 billion in revenues from product lines that cover the entire value chain of engineering offerings.

For more information on CG, please visit: www.cgglobal.com.

About Avantha

The Rs. 25,000 crores (US$4bn) Avantha Group is one of India's leading business conglomerates. Its successful entities in diversified sectors include Crompton Greaves (power transmission and distribution equipment and services), BILT (paper and pulp), The Global Green Company Limited (food processing), Biltech Building Elements Limited (infrastructure), Avantha Power (energy), Salient Business Solutions Limited (IT and ITES), Jg Glass (glass containers) .

With a global footprint, the Group operates in 90 countries with more than 25,000 employees worldwide. Led by Gautam Thapar, Avantha demonstrates strong leadership globally and emerges as a focused corporate, leveraging its knowledge, leadership and operations, adding lasting value for its stakeholders and investors.

For more information on Avantha, please visit www.avanthagroup.com.