GE (NYSE: GE) has begun work on the first phase of a two-year, $3 million project with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a wind turbine generator that could support large-scale wind projects in the 10 to 15 MW range.

GE’s design would use architecture and cryogenic cooling technology along with MRI magnetic technology that could have more economy of scale and reduce the cost of energy produced by the turbines.

Phase I will focus on developing a conceptual design and evaluating the economic, environmental and commercial factors associated with it. Phase II will explore the potential commercialization of the technology. GE will work with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on the generator project.

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