Richardson Electronics, Ltd. Expands Customer Base with One of Canada’s Largest Producers of Wind Generation
Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL) has expanded its customer base through a supply agreement with TransAlta , one of Canada's largest power generators. The agreement involves delivering patented ULTRA3000® and ULTRAPEM™ pitch energy modules for GE wind turbines and SSB platforms across Canada and the United States throughout 2025.
These ultracapacitor-based modules replace traditional lead acid batteries in wind turbine electric pitch systems, managing blade angle adjustments for optimal turbine operation. TransAlta conducted a year-long trial of the technology across multiple machines at two sites before committing to a fleet-wide implementation.
According to TransAlta's supervisor, the solution addresses one of their leading causes of downtime and lost production on GE platforms, reducing necessary hub entries and climbs for technicians while increasing revenue potential.
Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL) ha ampliato la propria base clienti grazie a un accordo di fornitura con TransAlta, uno dei maggiori produttori di energia del Canada. L'accordo prevede la consegna dei moduli energetici brevettati ULTRA3000® e ULTRAPEM™ per sistemi di pitch di turbine eoliche GE e piattaforme SSB in Canada e Stati Uniti per tutto il 2025.
Questi moduli basati su ultracondensatori sostituiscono le tradizionali batterie al piombo nei sistemi elettrici di pitch delle turbine eoliche, gestendo la regolazione dell’angolo delle pale per un funzionamento ottimale della turbina. TransAlta ha effettuato un test di un anno su più macchine in due siti prima di decidere per un’implementazione su tutta la flotta.
Secondo il supervisore di TransAlta, la soluzione risolve una delle principali cause di fermo e perdita di produzione sulle piattaforme GE, riducendo le necessarie entrate nell’hub e le scalate per i tecnici, aumentando al contempo il potenziale di guadagno.
Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL) ha ampliado su base de clientes mediante un acuerdo de suministro con TransAlta, uno de los mayores generadores de energía de Canadá. El acuerdo implica la entrega de los módulos energéticos patentados ULTRA3000® y ULTRAPEM™ para sistemas de pitch de turbinas eólicas GE y plataformas SSB en Canadá y Estados Unidos durante todo 2025.
Estos módulos basados en ultracondensadores reemplazan las baterías tradicionales de plomo en los sistemas eléctricos de pitch de turbinas eólicas, gestionando el ajuste del ángulo de las palas para un funcionamiento óptimo de la turbina. TransAlta realizó una prueba de un año en varias máquinas en dos sitios antes de comprometerse con una implementación en toda la flota.
Según el supervisor de TransAlta, la solución aborda una de sus principales causas de tiempo de inactividad y pérdida de producción en las plataformas GE, reduciendo las entradas necesarias al cubo y las escaladas para los técnicos, mientras aumenta el potencial de ingresos.
Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL)는 캐나다 최대 전력 생산업체 중 하나인 TransAlta와 공급 계약을 통해 고객 기반을 확장했습니다. 이 계약은 2025년 내내 캐나다와 미국 전역의 GE 풍력 터빈 및 SSB 플랫폼용 특허 받은 ULTRA3000® 및 ULTRAPEM™ 피치 에너지 모듈을 공급하는 내용을 포함합니다.
이 초커패시터 기반 모듈은 풍력 터빈 전기 피치 시스템에서 기존 납축전지를 대체하며, 터빈의 최적 운전을 위해 블레이드 각도 조절을 관리합니다. TransAlta는 전 함대 도입에 앞서 두 개 현장에서 여러 기계에 대해 1년간 기술 시험을 진행했습니다.
TransAlta 감독관에 따르면, 이 솔루션은 GE 플랫폼에서 주요 가동 중단 및 생산 손실 원인 중 하나를 해결하여 기술자들의 허브 진입 및 등반 횟수를 줄이고 수익 가능성을 높입니다.
Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ : RELL) a élargi sa clientèle grâce à un accord de fourniture avec TransAlta, l’un des plus grands producteurs d’énergie du Canada. Cet accord concerne la livraison des modules énergétiques brevetés ULTRA3000® et ULTRAPEM™ pour les systèmes de pitch des éoliennes GE et les plateformes SSB au Canada et aux États-Unis tout au long de l’année 2025.
Ces modules à base d’ultracondensateurs remplacent les batteries au plomb traditionnelles dans les systèmes électriques de pitch des éoliennes, gérant l’ajustement de l’angle des pales pour un fonctionnement optimal des turbines. TransAlta a réalisé un essai d’un an sur plusieurs machines dans deux sites avant de s’engager à une mise en œuvre sur toute la flotte.
Selon le superviseur de TransAlta, cette solution répond à l’une de leurs principales causes d’arrêts et de pertes de production sur les plateformes GE, réduisant les interventions dans le moyeu et les ascensions pour les techniciens tout en augmentant le potentiel de revenus.
Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL) hat seinen Kundenstamm durch eine Liefervereinbarung mit TransAlta, einem der größten Energieerzeuger Kanadas, erweitert. Die Vereinbarung umfasst die Lieferung der patentierten ULTRA3000® und ULTRAPEM™ Pitch-Energie-Module für GE-Windturbinen und SSB-Plattformen in Kanada und den USA im gesamten Jahr 2025.
Diese ultrakondensatorbasierten Module ersetzen herkömmliche Blei-Säure-Batterien in elektrischen Pitch-Systemen von Windturbinen und steuern die Blattwinkelanpassungen für einen optimalen Turbinenbetrieb. TransAlta führte vor der flächendeckenden Einführung ein einjähriges Testprogramm an mehreren Maschinen an zwei Standorten durch.
Dem Supervisor von TransAlta zufolge löst die Lösung eine der Hauptursachen für Ausfallzeiten und Produktionsverluste auf GE-Plattformen, reduziert notwendige Hub-Einstiege und Kletterarbeiten für Techniker und erhöht gleichzeitig das Umsatzpotenzial.
- Secured supply agreement with major Canadian power generator TransAlta
- Successfully completed year-long trial leading to fleet-wide implementation
- Product addresses critical maintenance issue in wind turbine operations
- Expanding product line to cover multiple wind turbine platforms
- Shipments spread throughout 2025, indicating gradual rather than immediate revenue impact
Insights
Richardson's ultracapacitor modules solve a critical maintenance issue for wind farms, validated through TransAlta's year-long successful testing.
Richardson Electronics has secured a significant supply agreement with TransAlta , directly addressing one of the most persistent challenges in wind turbine maintenance. Their patented ULTRA3000® and ULTRAPEM™ ultracapacitor-based modules replace traditional lead-acid batteries in electric pitch systems - components that TransAlta explicitly identifies as "the weak link" in their wind turbines.
The technical value proposition is compelling. These modules manage the critical energy required for blade angle adjustments, and TransAlta's data confirms that "pitch faults due to weak batteries are one of our leading causes of downtime and lost production on GE platforms." What's particularly noteworthy is TransAlta's methodical validation approach - testing these modules across multiple machines at two sites for a full year before proceeding with broader implementation.
Richardson's expanding product portfolio now covers various OEM wind turbine platforms including Senvion, Suzlon, GE's SSB platform, and Nordex. This diversification strategy strengthens their position in the renewable energy maintenance sector. The customer's confirmation of three specific operational benefits is telling: reduced downtime, fewer maintenance requirements ("reducing the number of hub entries and climbs"), and increased revenue generation. These are precisely the key performance indicators that wind farm operators prioritize for optimizing operations.
TransAlta agreement expands Richardson's customer base in renewable energy, representing business growth after successful product validation.
This supply agreement represents a meaningful expansion of Richardson Electronics' business with TransAlta , one of Canada's largest power generators with operations across North America and Australia. The deal follows what appears to be a strategic customer development approach, as the relationship "started a few years ago" and has now progressed to a broader implementation after rigorous field testing.
The agreement calls for Richardson to supply its patented modules to "numerous wind farms throughout Canada and the United States" with shipments scheduled throughout calendar year 2025. While specific financial terms aren't disclosed, the geographic scope and TransAlta's status as a major power generator suggest this represents a notable business expansion.
Particularly significant is the customer's thorough validation process - testing the technology across multiple machines at two sites for a full year before committing to wider deployment. This methodical approach indicates high confidence in the product's performance and value proposition. The customer testimonial specifically mentions increased revenue generation ("increasing revenue for many years to come"), suggesting tangible financial benefits for the end customer.
This agreement aligns with Richardson's strategic focus on engineered solutions for renewable energy, an area where they've positioned themselves as "the world leader in pitch energy modules" according to their executive statement. With over 50% of products manufactured in their own facilities in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Germany, the company appears well-positioned to fulfill the supply requirements.
Company to deliver patented pitch energy modules and accessories
LAFOX, Ill., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Richardson Electronics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: RELL), a global provider of engineered solutions for renewable energy and other power management applications, today announced the expansion of its customer base through a supply agreement with TransAlta Corporation* for its patented pitch energy modules designed for GE* wind turbines and SSB* platforms. TransAlta Corporation is one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, owning and operating a diverse fleet across Canada, the United States and Western Australia.
Under the terms of the agreement, Richardson Electronics will provide its patented ULTRA3000® and ULTRAPEM™ modules to numerous wind farms throughout Canada and the United States. Richardson expects shipments to occur throughout calendar year 2025.
These ultracapacitor-based modules are designed to replace lead acid batteries in various OEM wind turbine platforms that utilize electric pitch systems. Pitch Energy Modules (PEMs) store and manage the energy required to adjust blade angles, ensuring the effective operation of the wind turbine.
Greg Peloquin, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Power & Microwave Technologies and Green Energy Solutions groups, stated, “As we continue to be the world leader in pitch energy modules and continue to develop new modules for various wind -turbine platforms such as our ULTRAPEM™ products, we are excited with progress of our new products such as pitch energy modules for Senvion, Suzlon, GE’s SSB platform and Nordex. Our relationship with TransAlta started a few years ago and our teams have worked together to identify and provide products that help TransAlta to be successful in providing the latest and greatest technology.”
Daniel Layton, Supervisor Soderglen & Lakeswind LTSA of TransAlta Corporation shared more about his experience working with the Richardson Electronics team and their patented technology solutions: “If you were to ask any wind technician who works on electric pitch systems what the weak link is in the whole system, most would likely say it’s the pitch batteries. Even without looking at the data, any technician knows this, as the task of exchanging and testing battery packs has been a part of their routine for decades. At TransAlta, we were looking for a solution to this issue, as our data shows that pitch faults due to weak batteries are one of our leading causes of downtime and lost production on our GE platforms. In this search for a solution, we met with Richardson Electronics who provided us with a plug and play solution with no modifications to our machines, allowing for an easy install. Richardson was very patient with us as we used caution moving into using their Ultra-caps. We chose to trial the Ultra-caps on several machines, at two sites, for a whole year before making the purchase. After that trial period, we can say that they have been an excellent upgrade, and we can’t wait to get these installed on the rest of the fleet. We have confidence in the product after our trial period and we have many great reviews from other wind companies that made the switch 2-3 years ago and haven’t looked back. Switching to Ultra-caps is going to reduce the number of hub entries and climbs our technicians need to make in a day and we all know that the weather doesn’t always cooperate when we need to get into a hub. Ultra-caps are the solution to reducing lost production, freeing up manpower for more important tasks, and increasing revenue for many years to come.”
This extremely positive customer feedback reflects the Company's ongoing commitment to delivering innovative solutions that empower customers to achieve more with greater ease, efficiency and confidence.
Richardson Electronics will be exhibiting at the CLEANPOWER show May 19 – 22, in Phoenix, AZ at the Phoenix Convention Center, booth #2564.
*All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. The use of the trademarks is solely for identification purposes and does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the trademark holders.
About Richardson Electronics, Ltd.
Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, green energy products, power grid and microwave tubes and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components; CT X-ray tubes; and customized display solutions. More than
Richardson Electronics, Ltd. common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol RELL.
About Richardson Electronics – Green Energy Solutions
Richardson Electronics Green Energy Solutions combines our key technology partners and engineered solutions capabilities to design and manufacture key products for the fast-growing energy storage market and power management applications. As a designer, manufacturer, technology partner, and authorized distributor, GES's strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and engineered solutions using our core design engineering and manufacturing capabilities on a global basis. We provide solutions and add value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair—all through our existing global infrastructure. GES focuses on products for numerous green energy applications such as wind, solar, hydrogen, and electric vehicles and other power management applications that support green solutions such as synthetic diamond manufacturing. For more information, visit us at https://www.rell.com/greenenergysolutions/.
About Richardson Electronics – Power & Microwave Technologies
For over 75 years, Richardson Electronics has been your industry-leading global provider of engineered solutions, RF & microwave, and power products. The Power & Microwave Technologies group continues this legacy and complements it with new products from the world's most innovative technology partners. Richardson Electronics' Power & Microwave Technologies group focuses on what we do best: identify and design disruptive technologies, introduce new products on a global basis, develop solutions for our customers, and provide exceptional worldwide support. As a global company, we provide solutions and add value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair—all through our existing global infrastructure. More information is available at rellpower.com | relltubes.com | rellaser.com.
| For Details Contact: Greg Peloquin Executive Vice President & GM Power & Microwave Technologies and Green Energy Solutions Phone: (630) 659-8900 peloquin@rell.com | 40W267 Keslinger Road LaFox, IL 60147-0393 USA (630) 208-2200 | Fax: (630) 208-2550 | |
FAQ
What is the significance of Richardson Electronics' (RELL) new supply agreement with TransAlta?
How do RELL's pitch energy modules improve wind turbine performance?
What results did TransAlta see during their trial of RELL's ultracapacitor technology?
Which wind turbine platforms are compatible with RELL's new pitch energy modules?
