Once again, uncertainty over the PTC or federal wind energy tax credits have had a chilling effect on new wind project development once again across the country. On the upside, three federal grants of about $47 million each and intended to spur offshore wind development in New Jersey, Oregon, and Virginia, have been awarded to wind projects in those states. In addition to those, here’s a look at what’s been happening onshore and around the rest of the country:
The Fourmile Wind Energy Project in Maryland Will feature 16 Nordex N100 2.5MW turbines.
Nordex USA to supply Fourmile
Frostburg, Maryland
Nordex will supply turbines for the 40-MW Fourmile Wind Energy Project for Exelon Wind this year. The order entails 16 Nordex N100/2500 turbines with a hub height of 100 meters plus a 20-year premium service contract delivered and commissioned to the site in northwestern Maryland.
Marsh Hill clears financing hurdle
Jasper, New York
The Marsh Hill Wind Farm, currently under construction, has secured financing that the 16-MW project still needed. The wind farm will consist of 10 GE 1.6-103 wind turbines and will begin operation in Q4 of 2014. The electricity is intended for the wholesale markets managed by the New York Independent System Operator.
Suzlon sells Big Sky
Chicago
Suzlon Group has finalized its agreement with EverPower to sell the Big Sky wind farm. Suzlon and EverPower also agreed to a seven-year service agreement, keeping SWECO involved in the project at the operations level. The acquisition of Big Sky by EverPower makes it the nation’s 20th largest wind generator in the U.S. with a combined capacity of 752 MW.
Siemens builds turbines in Iowa
Carroll, Iowa
The Carroll Area Wind Farm has contracted Siemens to provide nine 2.3 MW turbines. The blades will be manufactured at Siemen’s nearby facility in Fort Madison, Iowa. Hubs and nacelles will be produced by its Hutchinson factory in Kansas. Installation is slated to commence in October 2014, commissioning in early 2015.
Maryland wind survives veto
Annapolis, Maryland
Governor Martin O’Malley vetoed a bill that proposed a 13-month moratorium on the Green Bay Wind Energy Center being developed near Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Proponents of the bill claimed the turbines would interfer with a new radar system being tested at the naval station. The $200 million, 150-MW installation, is expected to be a flagship project for escalating wind development in eastern Maryland.
A sweet deal for Sumitomo and Mars
Lamesa, Texas
Mars candy company, in partnership with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, announced an agreement on a new 200-MW wind farm that will generate 100% of the electricity needs for Mars’ U.S. operations, which is comprised of 70 sites, including 37 factories and 25,000 associates. The 118-turbine Mesquite Creek Wind farm was jointly developed by Sumitomo and BNB Renewable Energy.
Construction resumes on Cross Winds
Detroit, Michigan
Consumers Energy announced it is prepared to resume construction on a 105-MW, 62-turbine wind farm in Akron and Columbia Township near Detroit now that weather has warmed for the season. The Cross Winds Energy Park, which is expected to create about 150 construction jobs, will begin operation in late 2014.
Siemens to service 400 turbines
California, Nevada, and Texas
Pattern Energy Group has awarded Siemens with a 10-year service contract for six projects, four of which are in the United States. Siemens will provide tech updates and O&M services for the 152-MW Spring Valley Wind in eastern Nevada, the 265-MW Ocotillo Wind in Southern California, and the 101-MW Hatchet Ridge Wind farm in northern California. Siemens will also service the 182-MW Panhandle II in Texas once it becomes operational later this year. WPE
Filed Under: Construction, News, Projects
