Vaasa, Finland: Whether the world's major wind turbine manufacturers will ultimately make the move to direct-drive transmissions is a subject of debate. But the shift towards permanent-magnet generators (PMGs) is looking more certain. Even developers of hybrid reduced-gearing drivetrains are now rushing to integrate PMG technology into their designs. PMGs promise drivetrains with greater efficiency and reliability, particularly under "partial load" - the state in which turbines usually operate.