May 24 2010
Energy utility Puget Sound Energy has commenced the first phase of construction on its Lower Snake River Wind Project located in Garfield County, Washington. The first phase of the project having 343 MW will increase the overall wind power producing capacity of Puget Sound Energy.
Moreover, Puget Sound Energy has entered into agreements with Siemens Energy for 149 2.3 MW wind turbines for Phase I. This wind energy facility having 343 MW capacity is likely to generate clean energy for over 100,000 homes. The Phase I construction work is likely to generate around 150 temporary jobs and around 25 permanent jobs.
The first phase of the Lower Snake River Wind Project is currently being built by Puget Sound Energy for meeting its longer-term state renewable power requirements as per the Initiative 937.
The chief resource officer and executive vice president of Puget Sound Energy Kimberly Harris stated that the company has already built the Wild Horse and Hopkins Ridge wind projects that produce 430 MW of renewable, clean energy.
Puget Sound Energy has availed the assistance of Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. for the construction work on the infrastructure of the project.
Puget Sound Energy operates and manages the 87-turbine Hopkins Ridge Wind Facility having 157 MW capacity near Dayton city. The energy utility also operates and owns the 149-turbine Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility having 273 MW capacity close to Ellensburg, Kittitas County.