Gamesa signed an agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation for collaboration on offshore wind technology. Under the agreement, the two companies will cooperate on the launch of Gamesa's latest product, the G11X-5.0 MW wind turbine prototype, designed especially for operation in a marine environment. The prototype is to be installed and launched in the United States, according to the companies announcement.

The new G11X will be based on the existing G10X platform. Northrop Grumman will contribute to the project with expertise in heavy load logistics, systems performance and reliability and application of technologies in a marine environment. The two companies are setting up a team of 40 engineers in Virginia next month. This team will perform all the preliminary work for the successful installation of the G11X prototype by the end of 2012. This includes location selection, permitting, final construction and installation, as well as testing.

Gamesa is also working on extending its product portfolio with more powerful wind turbines, with 6-7 MW of capacity, also aimed at the offshore wind energy market.

It may be a coincidence, but the choce of location for the new prototype may be an introductory move towards establishing a strong presence in the offshore wind market in the United States, which is taking off with the approval of the Cape Wind project. More offshore projects are expected to come soon near the Atlantic coast of the US, and with new offshore wind turbines coming soon, Gamesa could eventually bag a few nice supply deals.