Pattern Energy has made a order for 377 turbines for its Western Spirit Wind farms in New Mexico, which will be able to generate 1050 megawatt (MW) and power the equivalent of more than 590,000 homes.
Western Spirit Wind will utilise turbines ranging from 2.3-2.8 in nameplate rating and will utilise various tower heights to optimise the wind capture for the project. Turbine deliveries have commenced, with commercial operation planned before the end of 2021.
CEO of Pattern Energy, Mike Garland, said the turbine order 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 and the Western Spirit Transmission Line will bring more than a thousand construction jobs to New Mexico and billions of dollars in economic benefit, while creating a significant new source of clean power,” he said.
GE Energy Consulting provided a range of power system and equipment studies to Pattern Energy supporting the new transmission line, substations, series capacitor bank, and wind farm being installed. These studies are used to evaluate, size, and specify the transmission and power equipment and ensure proper operation of the overall system once installed.
GE Energy Financial Services underwrote and will provide a portion of the tax equity to the project.
GE’s turbines will be used for Pattern Energy’s suite of Western Spirit Wind projects, which now comprise over 1,000 MW of New Mexico wind energy slated for construction later this year, alongside construction of the Western Spirit Transmission Line, which is owned by the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and being co-developed by Pattern Energy.
CEO of GE Renewable Energy for Onshore Americas, Tim White, said GE’s 2 MW platform is extremely well suited to the region, with more than 98 per cent 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,” Mr White said.
