News release

Province Congratulates DSTN on Completion of First Contract in Nova Scotia

Premier's Office

DSTN Trenton, Nova Scotia's landmark partnership with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its first towers for a wind farm in Amherst.

Premier Darrell Dexter and DSTN CEO Nam Ki Lee were in Amherst today, Jan. 24, for the delivery of the final tower to Sprott Power's 31.5 megawatt wind farm. DSTN manufactured 15 towers for Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation, the wind turbine supplier to the Amherst Wind Farm Project.

"This is an important step forward for DSTN as a world-class manufacturer of towers and blades, and I congratulate everyone involved in this project for their hard work and dedication," said Premier Dexter. "Renewable energy is a sustainable industry with a bright future, and DSTN is helping to showcase Nova Scotia as a leader in this growing field."

Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation, the fifth largest wind turbine supplier in the world, was contracted by Sprott Power Corp. to supply the machines for the $61-million wind power project. Based on the average Nova Scotia home power consumption, the wind farm is capable of generating enough energy to power 10,000 homes.

"In just a short period of time, we have shown that DSTN can deliver an exceptional product for the renewable energy industry," said Mr. Lee. "We look forward to many more successful projects like this one across Nova Scotia and throughout North America."

"From the outset of our close working relationship with DSTN, Suzlon has been appreciative of the hard work, open dialogue and adaptable production methodology they brought to the table," said John Hewitt, chief operating officer of Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. "We are very excited about the final DSTN wind turbine tower's contribution to a clean energy future it offers all of Nova Scotia."

"The project is scheduled for completion by the end of March 2012," said Jeff Jenner, president and CEO of Sprott Power Corp. "We look forward to increasing the region's clean energy supply while contributing to the local economy."

The province secured a 49 per cent stake in the operation through investments made in 2010 to establish DSTN as a joint venture at the former TrentonWorks site.

DSME is a diversified company and one of the world's largest ship builders. The South Korean-based company was established in 1973 and today is a first-class builder of commercial and naval ships and offshore projects. In 2009, DSME acquired DeWind Inc., an American wind turbine engineering company, and announced plans to expand into the wind-power sector and build a production plant in North America. South Korea-based Daewoo is publicly listed on the Korean Stock Exchange.