Wind Energy America Completes Commissioning of Gamesa G-87 2.0-MW Wind Turbine in Iowa

Wind Energy America announced that it has completed the commissioning of one of the two Gamesa G-87 2.0-MW wind turbines that is part of its Zachary Ridge LLC wind farm. The wind farm is located on Buffalo Ridge in Iowa.

These two wind turbines were purchased in September 2008 by Wind Energy America. To bring these turbines online, the company has engaged Outland Renewable Energy for retrofitting and commissioning. The second Gamesa G-87 wind turbine in anticipated to achieve full commercial operation in Q1 of 2010.

The turbine comprises a 78-meter tower and a rotor with a diameter of 87 meters. The wind turbine is capable of generating enough power to meet the electricity needs of about 500 households. Interstate Power and Light will be purchasing the power generated from the Zachary Ridge wind facility through a power purchase agreement. Mel Wentz, CEO of Wind Energy America said that the commissioning of this turbine is a step forward in advancing the company’s wind energy development plan.