Pattern Energy Group LP (PEG LP), a US-based energy company, has secured financing and commenced the construction of 218MW Panhandle wind project, situated in the Texas Panhandle, US.
Mortenson, which is selected for the construction of project, will install 118 GE 1.85MW turbines. The contract also includes a 345 kV substation, transmission line and other operations facility.
The project will utilize Texas’ new Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) transmission infrastructure connecting to the state’s main power grid operator, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
PEG LP CEO Mike Garland said that the Panhandle wind project would be among the first projects in the Texas Panhandle to connect to the new CREZ transmission lines.
“This Project will provide multiple benefits to Carson County and its residents, including more than 200 construction jobs, at least 12 permanent operations and maintenance positions, and clean energy for up to 60,000 Texas homes without using any of the region’s limited water supplies,” Garland added.
Following the completion of the project, PEG LP will donate around $800,000 to establish the Panhandle Wind Community Fund to support civic and educational causes in Carson County. It will also make annual contributions to the Community Fund over the next ten years.
Construction of the project is scheduled to be completed in August 2014 and the power output from the project will be sold to Citigroup Energy under a long-term hedge offtake agreement.