American Superconductor Corporatio (AMSC) has acquired a 25% stake in Blade Dynamics, for USD 8 million in cash. AMSC has this way obtained a seat on the board, and will push its Windtec technology towards a broader range of wind turbine manufacturers. Furthermore, AMSC has also secured a blade platform for the company's SeaTitan superconductor wind turbine, which will have 10 MW of capacity.

Blade Dynamics manufactures wind turbine blades using proprietary manufacturing methods and structural designs, which overcome critical barriers currently faced by the wind energy industry. The company's Bladeskyn surface coating technology, for example, improves turbine performance and efficiency.

With the gradual transition towards mega-sized wind turbines of the future, reaching 10-20 MW of capacity, there is a need for innovative solutions for all aspects of wind turbine technology. Blades are one of the most important parts of a wind turbine, and will need major improvements in order to further reduce cost of manufacturing, installation, transportation, and additionally provide better efficiency and performance.

Both AMSC and Blade Dynamics see the newly established relationship as a great opportunity to create a competitive advantage for their customers, ensuring a strong presence in the wind energy market.

[source: AMSC]