2 March 2006 - German wind turbine manufacturer REpower has confirmed it is part of a consortium that has entered the race to build 1500 MW of new wind capacity in Portugal.

Speaking at a press conference held in Lisbon yesterday, the company's CFO, Pieter Wasmuth, said: "We are bidding for one of the most important projects for the future of Portuguese energy policy".

REpower joined a consortium led by the Portuguese energy company, Galp Energia. The team also includes Grupo Enersis and Martifer as well as EFACEC, a manufacturer of electric components.

The Portuguese government called for tenders last year when it announced that the 1500 MW total would be split into two separate lots, one worth 1000 MW and the other 500 MW.

If successful, REpower would consider setting up local blade manufacture and production facilities in Portugal.

The contracts to create the new wind capacity will be awarded in July of this year. Construction is expected to start in 2008, with the power generated scheduled to reach the electricity grid by 2013.