GE Renewable Energy announced this Monday it has secured a 1050-megawatt order for Pattern Energy’s Western Spirit Wind Farms, located in New Mexico.
It is a 10-year full-service agreement (FSA) that includes 377 turbines that, all together would provide enough power to light 590,000 homes. According to the company’s statement, deliveries have already begun and the commercial operation date is set around the end of 2021.
The Western Spirit complex is comprised of four wind farms, located in Guadalupe, Lincoln and Torrance counties in New Mexico. When the project is completed, it will be the largest wind farm in the whole state.
It also has a substantial economic participation in the state, as it will provide 1000 jobs at peak construction, around 100 permanent jobs to run the facility when completed and the above mentioned 1050 MW capacity.
Western Spirit will also provide $3 million per year in property tax revenue for the three counties. For the construction, the wind farm will utilize turbines of various heights, ranging from 2,3-2,8, to optimize wind capture.
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New Mexico’s wind farms best-in-class
“GE’s 2 MW platform is extremely well suited to the region, with 98%+ availability to help ensure the reliability of sustainable, affordable, renewable energy delivery to the region. We are proud to be a part of helping New Mexico work toward its renewable energy goals,” said Tim White, GE Renewable’s CEO.
And he concluded: “GE Renewable Energy is delighted to work with Pattern Energy on the Western Spirit Wind project, and continue our strong relationship.”
For Mike Garland, Pattern Energy’s CEO, “Our turbine order with GE Renewable Energy is the next step in building one of the largest wind power facilities in New Mexico, helping the state to become a major renewable energy producer.”
“Western Spirit Wind projects have a powerful generation profile with an evening peak; is a perfect complement to daytime solar and displaces the need for more expensive, ramping fossil fuels,” he underlined in a statement.
“Working with Pattern Energy on Western Spirit Wind Farms demonstrates that GE can bring comprehensive solutions, including best-in-class wind turbine technology and financial services expertise,” also noted Gaurav Raniwala, Head of GE Renewable’s Financial Services.
