Western wind power components, such as The Switch full-power converters, help Chinese companies enter the US market with world-class quality and reliability that meets the most stringent international grid regulations

Anaheim, CA -- Booth 887 -- The Switch, a provider of megawatt-class permanent magnet generator (PMG) and full-power converter packages for wind power and other new energy applications, announced today that it has signed a new contract to continue delivering its full-power converters (FPC) to Goldwind. Goldwind, one of the world's largest wind turbine manufacturers, is currently increasing its presence in the US market. The Switch, based in Finland, has been a preferred supplier to Goldwind for the past five years.

"Since the start of our company in 2006, China has been the largest market for our PMG and converter technology. Today, the leading Chinese turbine manufacturers are actively developing their systems to fulfill grid requirements that are very much aligned with international standards. Our attention to detail and long-term commitment to high technology standards have made The Switch a valued full-power converter partner for Goldwind now for five years. Since the beginning, Goldwind has demonstrated an openness for cooperation and appreciation towards providers of the latest technology. This has resulted in a wind turbine offering based on the most advanced technology that is well suited for international markets. The Switch has been supporting this success, and the new contract is another step to deepen our relationship," says Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen, President and CEO of The Switch.

"With its proven, highly efficient direct drive wind turbines, Goldwind now brings greater potential to the US market with high-quality wind power yields and the creation of more job opportunities locally. We stand ready to help Goldwind as a partner, even enabling mass production close to customers. We are now looking forward to joining forces with American Superconductor (AMSC), which makes this localization a natural step," he continues.

"As the world's largest permanent magnet direct drive (PMDD) wind turbine manufacturer, Goldwind is committed to providing its customers with higher power generation efficiency and more friendly grid connectivity. The first-rate full-power converter supply from The Switch plays an important role in this course. With the rapid expansion of our business into the international marketplaces including the US, we are looking forward to working more closely with The Switch to deliver industry-leading technologies and products to our American customers," says Cao Zhigang, Executive Vice President of Goldwind.

The Switch FPC is the result of comprehensive R&D effort undertaken to meet the evolving needs of major players in the global wind power industry. Among its numerous advantages, The Switch FPC offers increased wind turbine reliability and high-quality electricity. Optimum converter performance ensures turbine availability, a key metric of wind energy production. Recent tests prove the FPC is fully compliant with the strictest grid code requirements and fault ride-through standards, as these features are becoming mandatory in most markets.

To reach the highest reliability standards, The Switch's software solutions enable tight communication and coordination between the FPC and wind turbine control systems, which gather data for turbine management. The converter tracks commands from the turbine controller and transfers everything it measures to the turbine control system for processing. If the turbine experiences a lack of coolant flow, for example, the converter interacts with the controller to adjust production accordingly, ensuring against shutdown so the turbine produces maximum energy.

About The Switch
The Switch is a leading supplier of megawatt-class permanent magnet generator and full-power converter packages that effectively capture power from highly variable new energy sources like wind and solar. The technology ensures reliable, future-proof grid compliance and maximized energy yields. Since starting operations in July 2006, The Switch has reached net sales of EUR 134.6 million, with nearly 5,000 MW of installed wind power capacity. The Switch is headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, with production facilities in Hudson, NH.

About Goldwind
Xinjiang Goldwind Science &Technology Co., Ltd. (Goldwind) is the second largest manufacturer of wind turbine generators in China, and the 4th largest globally. With strong R&D capabilities, The Company is the world's largest manufacturer of Permanent Magnet Direct Drive (PMDD) wind turbines, representing the industry's next generation technology. Goldwind is listed on both the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (stock code: 002202) and Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 2208). Revenue and net profit for the financial year of 2010 exceeded RMB 17.5 billion and RMB 2.2 billion, respectively.

As of December 31,2010, Goldwind's accumulated installed capacity reached 9,095.05 MW, equivalent to 7.28 million tons of coal saved per year, 18.14 million tons of carbon emissions reduced per year, and 9.94 million cubic meters of woods newly planted.

For more information, please visit www.theswitch.com or contact

Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen
President and CEO
The Switch
+358 40 808 0580
Email: jukka-pekka.makinen@theswitch.com