Alstom wins 80MW wind power order in US

Alstom has won a contract from Tri Global Energy to supply turbines for the 80MW Fiber Winds Energy project near Lorenzo and Ralls, Texas.

Under the contract, Alstom will supply four ECO110 and 25 ECO122 wind turbines and provide ten years of service and maintenance for the project, which will generate enough electricity to power around 24,000 US homes.

The agreement was signed prior to December 31, 2013, placing the project on a ‘safe harbor’ position on the production tax credit (PTC).

The proponent is likely to start construction of the project in mid-2014 after a financial closing and the commissioning is expected in 2015. Having bought 100% stake in Fiber Winds Energy, Tri Global Energy intends to be the plant operator, providing local employment and services.

Tri Global Energy CEO John Billingsley said during the first 30 years following the commencement of commercial operations, the company is expected to pay $39m in wind royalties to local landowners and community investors.

“It is also projected to pay $15 million in local school, county and hospital ad valorem taxes during this same period,” added Billingsley.

Alstom North American Wind Business head Andy Geissbuehler said the contract represents a continued progress and demonstrates the company’s commitment to the US wind market.

“We look forward to working with Tri Global Energy to build successful projects that increase U.S. energy production capacity through clean, proven wind power, as demonstrated by the Fiber Winds project, which will reduce carbon emissions by 248,400 metric tons per year,” added Geissbuehler.