A 49% stake in Gardawind has been acquired, a company with two wind farms of total 18 MW

Italgen, an Italcementi Group company, has acquired from Leitwind (Leitner Group) a 49% stake in Gardawind S.r.l., a company that has two wind farms of 9 MW each in the Kavarna region of Bulgaria, of which one is already operating while the other is currently under construction. This transaction forms part of the development lines defined by Italgen’s strategic plan, whose objective is to strengthen the company in the field of renewable energies.

Kavarna I wind farm was started by Leitwind in September 2009, with the installation of self manufactured turbines, resulting from the technological know-how of the Leitner Technologies Group which is based on a direct drive generator concept.

So far, Italgen has mainly operated in Italy serving the energy needs of the Italcementi Group. Currently 100% of the energy produced comes from renewable sources, specifically from 14 water power stations located in Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto, interconnected by means of own HVDC lines for a total length of approx. 400 kilometres.

Over the next 5 years, according to Italgen’s development lines that are in step with the Italcementi Group’s international operations, the company’s operations will expand abroad on the free market of energy by implementing significant international initiatives that will run in parallel with new projects in Italy.

Italgen has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Egyptian Authority for renewable energies for the construction of a significant wind farm in Gulf El Zeit (Red Sea), which is due to have an installed capacity of 120 MW in the first stage. In Turkey, it has acquired the licences for the construction of a 142.5 MW wind farm in Balikesir, while in Morocco a wind farm is expected to be built which, by means of its interconnection with the national grid, will cover the energy needs of Ciments du Maroc (Italcementi Group).

In 2009 Italgen, with a nominal water production capacity of 56 MW, posted sales for €38.6 million, with a production of 308 GWh.  

Leitwind technology is inspired by the principle, already widely established in cable cars, of direct drive without gearbox, which reduces maintenance and thus lowers operating costs and noise. The use of a synchronous generator with permanent magnets ensures maximum energy yield and is more reliable. Quick assembly and simplified maintenance are the hallmarks of Leitwind generators.

Recently Leitwind has installed more than 40 large wind-powered generators not only in Italy, but also in Austria, France, India, Canada and Bulgaria. And more important jobs will come in 2010; in Europe alone an additional 30 machines will be installed, while fifty more will be installed in India.

Italgen was supported in this operation by Studio Giliberti Pappalettera Triscornia e Associati.

Italgen is an Italcementi Group company. Italcementi is the fifth world cement producer, operates in 22 countries, by means of an industrial structure of 59 cement plants, 15 grinding centres, 5 terminals, 373 ready mix concrete facilities and 92 quarries. In 2009, the Italcementi Group  posted consolidated sales of more than €5 billion.

Leitwind  belongs to the Leitner Technologies Group. Leitner Technologies is world leader in the field of cable cars and snowgroomers, has 2400 employees in the world, and has production centres in Italy, Austria, France, India, United States and Canada, as well as an extensive international network with 80 sales offices and service centres. In 2009, its sales amounted to €612 million.