Signaling its continuing commitment to developing and delivering cleaner, more efficient energy solutions for the world, GE has officially dedicated a $45 million Renewable Energy Global Headquarters in Schenectady, N.Y.

'The dedication of our new, state-of-the-art global headquarters represents our ongoing mission to provide renewable energy solutions that will help meet both the world's energy and environmental needs,' said Victor Abate, vice president, renewable energy for GE Power & Water. 'It also stands as an important symbol of the rapid growth and success of our renewable energy business. When we entered the wind energy industry in 2002, it was a $200 million business for us. Today it has grown significantly, with revenues topping $6 billion.'

The event also marked the installation of GE's 13,500th wind turbine globally, further demonstrating the continued growth of GE's renewable energy business. GE is the largest supplier of wind turbines in North America, and the company's 1.5-megawatt wind turbine is the most widely used wind turbine in the world. GE's global installed fleet now generates enough electricity to power nearly 6 millionU.S. homes.

The establishment of the Renewable Energy Global Headquarters has spurred the creation of more than 650 new jobs in Schenectady, 150 more than originally anticipated and a year ahead of schedule.

Without long-term, supportive policy, however, the continued growth of the U.S. wind industry could be jeopardized, noted Abate. 'The establishment of a federal renewable electricity standard (RES) with strong, near term goals, would provide the stability and support needed to encourage investors and drive growth in the U.S. wind industry,' he said. 'This ongoing growth would continue the momentum experienced by the industry over the last several years, creating needed U.S. manufacturing jobs.'

Tags: GE Energy