Developers complete 139.4-MW Pennsylvania project

Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES Americas) has announce the completion of the 139.4 MW Twin Ridges Wind Farm located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The project was completed in December of 2012 and is now operational.

EverPower’s Twin Ridges Wind Farm is located in southwestern Pennsylvania in Somerset County on Big and Little Savage Mountain and is the second largest wind farm in Pennsylvania with a nameplate capacity of 139.4 MW from 68 – 2.05 MW REpower wind turbines. Photo: EverPower

RES Americas served as the balance-of-plant contractor for the project, which was developed and is owned by EverPower. The Twin Ridges Wind Farm consists of 68 2.05 MW REpower MM 92 turbines that will interconnect to PJM through the Potomac Edison affiliate of FirstEnergy Corporation. The project employed hundreds of workers during the construction phase and up to twelve operations and maintenance staff will be employed during operations.

“The continued development of Pennsylvania’s renewable energy resources will bring additional capital investment, jobs and tax revenue to the state,” said Andrew Fowler, Chief Operating Officer at RES Americas. “We are proud to be a member of this community and look forward to continuing our operations in the area.”

RES Americas has now constructed 381 MW of wind projects in Pennsylvania. The 101 MW Armenia Mountain Wind project was completed in 2009 and is located in Tioga and Bradford Counties, and the 140.8 MW Mehoopany Wind Farm, located in Wyoming County, was also completed in 2012.

Community and Local Economic Benefits of the Twin Ridges Wind Farm, according to EverPower:

• City of Frostburg, MD receives tax revenue and easement payments over the life of the project
• Allegany County, MD receives tax revenue and easement payments over the life of the project
• Somerset County, PA will receive up to $37,000 a year now that the wind farm is operational
• 89 Landowners in MD and PA will receive over $1.76 million per year in royalty, easement and other payments plus an additional $1 million in easement payments every 10 years.
• The construction of the Twin Ridges Wind Farm positively impacted the local economy. During construction, over 250 jobs were created, many of them from the local labor pool. Local businesses have also enjoyed millions of dollars in sales as they provide construction materials, goods and services.
• Twin Ridges requires 8 to 12 jobs to operate and maintain the wind project and 1 person to operate and maintain the generator lead line.
• Operation and maintenance will also require approximately $2 million of local goods and services.

Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc.
www.res-americas.com