Siemens transports wind turbine nacelles by rail from new U.S. factory

Using a greener, more reliable and cost-effective method of transportation, Siemens transported 22 wind turbine nacelles and hubs by rail from its new wind turbine nacelle assembly facility in Hutchinson, Kan. Shipping the 87-metric-ton nacelles by train has significant efficiency and environmental benefits, including an up to 80 percent carbon footprint reduction compared to truck transportation over long distances. "I'm very pleased that we mark yet another milestone in our quest to provide leading-edge wind turbine technology in the U.S.," said Jan Kjaersgaard, vice president and general manager of Siemens' Wind Power business in the Americas. "We are transporting our first nacelles from our newly opened wind turbine nacelle assembly facility and, we are shipping them by rail, which offers the greatest efficiency and environmental benefits. I am very proud to work for a company that not only makes products that are good for the environment, but that also operates in a way that is environmentally responsible." In addition to the nacelles, Siemens Energy is also transporting towers and blades via rail to various projects throughout the U.S. The inaugural shipment of 22 wind turbine nacelles and hubs is headed to Puget Sound Energy's Lower Snake River Wind Project near Pomeroy, Washington, where they will be combined with blades from Siemens' Fort Madison, Iowa, wind turbine blade manufacturing facility and towers for installation. "Puget Sound Energy's wind-power facilities are producing clean, green energy for tens of thousands of homes and businesses, and with our new Siemens turbines, I'm thrilled to say, we're also helping to generate new green jobs for American workers," said Kimberly Harris, PSE president and CEO.