Developer Pathfinder Renewable Energy plans to build the largest wind energy program in southeast Wyoming. GE will supply 1,200 high-altitude turbines suitable for the state’s high plains where the thinner air doesn’t provide the kinetic energy of lower altitudes. The 100,000-acre project would sprawl over leased land on each side of Interstate 25 near Chugwater, an area with strong winds that are expected to begin generating 2,100 MW per year by 2016.
Also, Pathfinder is working with TransCanada, Horizon, and BP to build a $3 billion, 1,000-mile Zephyr transmission line. The companies plan to take advantage of California’s mandate that 33% of its energy come from renewable resources by 2020. Together, the wind project and transmission line will cost $10 billion. Company executives say the capacity factor of the wind in the area is about 40%, which they will supplement the wind with natural gas for a reliability of about 97%.
Filed Under: Projects
