United Steelworkers (USW) has signed agreements with A-Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. and Shenyang Power Group (SPG), providing a foundation for a relationship between Chinese renewable energy equipment manufacturers and U.S. workers. The USW plans to guide and work collaboratively on all aspects of the companies' U.S. market strategies, including manufacturing, assembly, component sourcing, distribution and wind energy project development.
A-Power and SPG anticipate purchasing, over time, approximately 50,000 tons of steel that would be manufactured in unionized U.S. steel mills to supply the towers for a 615 MW wind farm in Texas.
The USW says that it will work with A-Power and SPG to create long-term employment in the U.S.
‘The USW is committed to building a strong domestic supply chain that will be key to the future of America's global renewable energy leadership,’ says Leo W. Gerard, president of USW International.
SOURCE: United Steelworkers
