Dec 21 2012
EDF Renewable Energy, formerly enXco, today announced that the 161 megawatt Spinning Spur Wind Project, located in Oldham County, Texas approximately 30 miles west of Amarillo, is operational and supplying electricity to the regional transmission grid.
The project, comprised of 70 Siemens 2.3 MW turbines, will deliver carbon-free electricity for the benefit of Southwestern Public Service Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy, under a 15-year power purchase agreement and will generate clean electricity sufficient to supply approximately 50,000 average homes. EDF Renewable Services, formerly enXco Service Corporation, will service the balance-of-plant during the turbine warranty period.
"Texas leads the nation in installed wind capacity, due to robust wind resources, a business friendly environment, and supportive stakeholders at the state and local levels," commented Ryan Pfaff, Executive Vice President of EDF Renewable Energy. "Spinning Spur represents EDF Renewable Energy's first project in Texas, and we look forward to future opportunities to build on newly established partnerships with the project's landowners, the local community, and Southwestern Public Service Company."
Cielo Wind Services, Inc. (Cielo) of Austin, Texas participated with EDF Renewable Energy in the construction management of the project. "The Cielo team directed a project spending program for construction contracting with Oldham County businesses and Southwestern Public Service Company customers," cited Walt Hornaday, a Cielo executive. "The local property tax incentives and Southwestern Public Service Company's long term wind purchase directly resulted in hundreds of jobs during construction."