Siemens Energy has formally inaugurated its new wind service training center in Orlando, Fla. The company says the $7 million facility will provide technical and safety training for installation and service technicians working at wind energy projects located throughout the Americas region.
The center hosts two full-size nacelles, three 30-foot high climbing towers, ladder structures, electrical and hydraulic modules, and a service crane station. A number of training labs and flexible space to accommodate varying class sizes are also available at the facility.
According to the company, its new center will host more than 2,400 trainees annually from the U.S. and the Americas. Siemens says it committed to creating 50 new full-time jobs associated with the training center, and 49 have already been filled.
The company notes that it currently provides service and maintenance for more than 3,000 installed turbines in the Americas region and 6,800 globally, with a combined generating capacity of 15 GW. The Orlando wind training center is Siemens' fourth such facility, joining those located in Brande, Denmark; Bremen, Germany; and Newcastle in the U.K.
"Our investment in this new training facility underscores our strong commitment to supporting the long-term continued growth of the wind industry in the Americas region," said Randy Zwirn, president and CEO of Siemens Energy.
