Wind Energy America commissions and operates Iowas wind turbine

(25/02/2010)

Wind Energy America Inc. has completed the commissioning of the first of two Gamesa G-87 2.0-megawatt (MW) wind turbines which is part of its wholly owned Zachary Ridge LLC (“ZR”), located on Buffalo Ridge in Osceola County, Iowa.

WEA has been working with Outland Renewable Energy, LLC, to retrofit and commission these turbines, acquired in September of 2008, in order to achieve full commercial operation. It is expected that commissioning of the second G-87 turbine will also be completed in Q1 of 2010.

The turbine has an 87 meter diameter rotor, a 78 meter tower and is capable of generating enough power (approximately 5 million kilowatt-hours annually) to power about 500 homes. Energy produced by ZR is to be sold to Interstate Power and Light under a long term Power Purchase Agreement.

“The commissioning and operation of this turbine is the first step in optimizing WEA’s existing wind assets and providing the foundation for long-term growth and development of Wind Energy America,” said Mel Wentz, CEO of WEA.

Related categories:  Wind power