Efacec Delivers Landmark 'Made-in-USA' Power Transformer to NextEra Energy Resources

ATLANTA, Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The successful delivery of a 115 MVA/115 kV high capacity core-type transformer to a New Mexico wind farm this month is a signal of the new energy economy for several reasons:

• It is the first American-built transformer from Efacec USA's newly opened power transformer plant—the only plant of its kind in North America.

• It is the product of a revival of a U.S. industrial endeavor, which has created hundreds of high-tech, skilled manufacturing jobs for American workers.

• The transformer provides the vital technology needed to help supply clean energy from the Red Mesa wind farm, a significant example of the burgeoning clean energy movement.

Upcoming deliveries to utilities throughout the nation are part of an urgent mission to upgrade the aging U.S. power infrastructure, support the move to renewable power, and accelerate the economy.  

Efacec USA's Georgia transformer plant is the sole North American producer of large, high capacity shell-type transformers -- as well as core units like this one. The return of these important energy manufacturing jobs reverses a 30-year trend of sending such work overseas.  

The 115 MVA core transformer unit, deployed as part of the Red Mesa wind project by NextEra (a subsidiary of Florida Power & Light) is typical of the units the Efacec plant will be producing; both core- and shell-type transformers up to 1500 MVA and 525 kV.  The unit, which stands 16 feet high and weighs 97 tons, is capable of powering a small town.

Jorge Guerra, Efacec's Executive Director of U.S. Business and Operations, reflected on the inaugural shipment. "After investing $120 million to build the plant, secure materials, and train a workforce from the ground up in technology that has not been found anywhere in the US for more than three decades, we see the successful delivery of our first unit as a threshold moment.  We're stepping into a new era, supplying utilities across America with the vital transformer technology that we are known for worldwide."

The unit successfully completed rigorous testing at the plant's state-of-the-art high-voltage laboratory, including verification of capacity, resiliency and safety, according to all relevant customer and ANSI standards.

About Efacec

Established in 1948, Efacec is the largest Portuguese company in the field of electric power network solutions.  It employs over 4,000 people, with a presence in more than 65 countries.  Efacec is organized into three business areas: energy; engineering, environment and services; transports and logistics.  The Efacec strategy focuses on the international market, concentrating on investments in innovation and new technology development.  Efacec USA is headquartered in Norcross, GA.  The company's U.S. operations include Efacec Power Transformers in Rincon, GA and Efacec Advanced Control Systems in Norcross, GA.  For more information, visit www.efacecusa.com.  

SOURCE Efacec