Pattern Energy commences construction of 218MW Panhandle wind project

Pattern Energy Group LP (PEG LP), an American energy company, has begun construction following the financial closure for its 218MW Panhandle wind project, situated in the Texas Panhandle, US.

The company has contracted Mortenson for the construction of project, including a 345 kV substation, transmission line and other operations facility.

Panhandle wind project will use 118 GE 1.85MW turbines.

Pattern Energy has stated that the project will use Texas’ new Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) transmission infrastructure connecting to the state’s main power grid operator, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

PEG LP CEO Mike Garland said the Panhandle wind project would be among the first projects in the Texas Panhandle to connect to the new CREZ transmission lines.

"This Project will provide multiple benefits to Carson County and its residents, including more than 200 construction jobs, at least 12 permanent operations and maintenance positions, and clean energy for up to 60,000 Texas homes without using any of the region’s limited water supplies," Garland added.

"Over the life of the project millions of dollars in property taxes will be paid to Carson County, the White Deer and Panhandle School Districts, and the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District."

Following the completion of the project, PEG LP will donate around $800,000 to establish the Panhandle Wind Community Fund to support civic and educational causes in Carson County, besides making annual contributions to the Community Fund over the next decade.

Carson County Judge Lewis Powers noted, "This important project marks a major milestone for Carson County and the Texas Panhandle, as it represents the culmination of many years of effort to obtain access to the ERCOT market that covers the other 85% of the State of Texas."

Panhandle project is estimated to be concluded in August 2014, following which it will sell power to Citigroup Energy under a long-term hedge offtake agreement.