Black Hills Generation Group has contracted with Vestas to supply and commission wind turbines for the new 60-MW Busch Ranch II wind project, which will provide enough renewable energy to power approximately 28,000 Southern Colorado homes per year.
“Our Southern Colorado system is one of the cleanest in the state, powered entirely by renewables and natural gas with zero percent coal-fired generation, and we’re excited to partner with Vestas to provide customers and the region with even more clean energy,” said Vance Crocker, Black Hills’ VP of electric operations in Southern Colorado. “When given the opportunity, we seek partnership with local businesses and suppliers to boost local economic development efforts and fortify Southern Colorado as a leader in renewable energy.”
60-MW Busch Ranch II wind project
Once the wind project is integrated into the Southern Colorado grid, renewable energy will make up more than 30% of Black Hills’ energy supply, meeting the requirements of Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard. The project will also provide an estimated $240 million in savings to customers over 25 years.
The wind project will include 27 Vestas wind turbines, components of which will be manufactured at Vestas’ Colorado factories, including tower sections built at Vestas’ Pueblo campus, the largest wind turbine tower factory in the world. Building the components in Colorado will contribute to jobs and local economic development.
“It is especially meaningful to be a part of adding clean, affordable wind energy to Colorado, home to Vestas’ North American manufacturing base,” said Chris Brown, president of Vestas’ sales and service division in the U.S. and Canada. “We’re pleased to partner again with Black Hills, and to be part of making Busch Ranch II a truly Colorado made project, which will bring energy and jobs to the community.”
“Partnerships like these demonstrate the collaborative nature of the greater Pueblo area and spur economic opportunities that are so important for the growth of our community. It’s a pleasure to see local businesses working together to advance our region’s renewable energy goals,” said Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar.
The Busch Ranch II wind project will be built near the Busch Ranch I wind project in Southeastern Colorado, which also features Vestas equipment. Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019 and construction is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
News item from Black Hills Energy
Filed Under: News, Projects
