Nordex acquires blade firm SSP Technology

DENMARK: German turbine firm Nordex has continued its spending spree by acquiring SSP Technology, a Danish blade designer and manufacturer.

SSP Technology designed and manufactured blades for ORE Catapult's 7MW turbine at Levenmouth, Scotland (pic: Gorzkowski, White House Studios)

Financial details have not been disclosed, but the deal includes intellectual property rights, 70 employees and facilities in Kirkeby, southern Denmark.

Nordex said the acquisition will help in the development of "larger, more efficient turbines" and allow it to "respond more flexibly to fast-changing market conditions".

SSP Technology has designed and produced prototype blades for 1.5MW to 8MW turbines, Nordex said.

The Danish firm was selected by Senvion to supply blades and a mould for the manufacturer's 6.2M152 prototype in 2014.

It also provided design, mould and production services for the Samsung 7MW turbine installed at Levenmouth, Scotland, which was acquired by ORE Catapult in December 2015.

"I am convinced that we will be able to significantly strengthen our innovation ability by integrating the blade experts at SSP. Rotor blades are key to lowering the cost of energy," said Nordex chief operating officer Jose Luis Blanco.

The takeover comes less than a year after Nordex acquired the turbine manufacturing arm of Acciona Energia.

In-house

It continues the growing trend of turbine manufacturers taking blade development and production in-house.

In October 2016, GE acquired LM Wind Power for €1.5 billion, a year after acquiring modular blade designer Blade Dynamics.

Fellow German manufacturer Senvion acquired blade development firm Euros Group in November 2016.