Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation, the US-based subsidiary of Suzlon Energy A/S of Denmark, has announced having extended its contract with Iberdrola group company, PPM Energy, to add 300 MW of wind turbine capacity.

This makes the contract one of the largest single ever for Suzlon and for the US wind energy industry.

PPM Energy now has more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of wind energy in operation or under construction and recently increased its 2010 target by more than 50 per cent to 3,500 MW at least.

The original agreement calls for delivery of 300 MW of turbine capacity in 2008 and 100 MW of capacity in 2009, but now has been extended to include an additional 300 MW in 2009 for a total of 700 MW over two years.

"We''re exceptionally pleased that PPM Energy has exercised their option to bring Suzlon and the industry a historic contract," said Andris Cukurs, CEO of Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation of Chicago, Illinois.

"This partnership is one for the long-haul. Suzlon is looking forward to providing PPM outstanding customer relations, optimal power performance and a long-term commitment to the market place," Cukurs added.

Suzlon''s S88-2.1 MW wind turbine is the featured machine of the agreement and will be
delivered to various ready-to-build sites across the US starting in the summer of 2008.
"Suzlon has welcomed PPM Energy''s technical and engineering input and provided direct communication lines with the leaders of the company," said Terry Hudgens, CEO of PPM Energy. "Suzlon continues to focus on the future of renewable energy which aligns very well with the strategies and values of PPM Energy."

PPM Energy is part of the Iberdrola group of companies, the world leader in wind
power, with more than 6,500 MW of combined wind power capacity.

The turbine agreement includes the total supply of 143 units of the S88-2.1 MW in 2008 and 191 units in 2009. Suzlon is also contracted for operations, maintenance and service of the wind turbines for two years and an option for five, and will do so by expanding its service territory with new facilities to meet the demand.