Pune-based Suzlon Energy Ltd, a leading global wind energy company, has successfully commenced operations in China and South Korea with orders worth $49.56 million.

In China, Suzlon has closed a contract worth $37.41 million for the Guohua Inner Mongolia Huitengliang Wind Farm project, while in South Korea it has clinched a contract for the Jeju Wind Farm project worth $12.15 million at Nansan-ri off Jeju Island.

This is the first phase of a potential 55MW wind power project for Jeju Island, the wind turbine major said in a statement issued Tuesday.

"We are very pleased with these orders, which reinforce our market leadership in Asia," said Tulsi Tanti, chairman of Suzlon Energy.

"The China order will be supplied from our factory there and the project will be commissioned next year. These two orders are over and above the order book of Rs.21.5 billion announced at the time of our second quarter results on Oct 31."

The first contract in China was entered into with Guohua Xilinguole New Energy and Source Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China Shenhua Energy Co Ltd.

Suzlon is hopeful that a renewable energy policy expected to come into force in China from Jan 1 will open up new opportunities.

For the project in South Korea, Suzlon tied up with Unison Co Ltd, the largest local developer with two major wind farm installations. The total installed wind power capacity in South Korea currently is 71.7 MW.

In India, Suzlon has projects at 27 locations in seven states and plans to further enhance its presence.