Pattern Energy Group announced the opening of its 324 MW Broadview Wind power facility and associated independent 35-mile 345 kV Western Interconnect transmission line.
Broadview Wind, which is located in Texas and New Mexico, approximately 30 miles north of Clovis, is delivering clean energy to California via Western Interconnect, providing renewable power for up to 125,000 homes each year.
The 324 MW wind power facility consists of 141 Siemens 2.3 MW wind turbines with US-made components, including turbine blades that were manufactured in Fort Madison, Iowa and nacelles that were manufactured in Hutchinson, Kansas.
“The Broadview Wind Facility is a big investment in Curry County and the whole Pattern team has been impressive to work with. We are thrilled to host such a fantastic project,” said Ben McDaniel, chair of Curry County Board of Commissioners.
Mike Garland, president and CEO of Pattern Energy. “We are especially excited to open this facility because it demonstrates the value of bringing wind power from where it’s created to where it’s needed. We see exciting development opportunities in this area of the country. Pattern Development is actively developing several significant opportunities in New Mexico and the southwest U.S. as part of the region’s increasing demand for low-cost, renewable energy.”
During construction, Broadview Wind provided jobs for more than 650 workers during peak construction activity with an average of 350 workers on-site throughout the construction process. Now operational, the facility employs 18 full-time workers with nearly half of those positions being filled by local residents.
Broadview Wind is expected to contribute more than $30million to the local government and school system over 25 years. Additionally, Broadview Wind has donated $320,000 to the local community, including a $150,000 donation to the Village of Grady, a separate $150,000 donation to the Village of Grady municipal school district, and a $20,000 donation to the Broadview Fire Department.
Broadview Wind interconnects to the Western Interconnect transmission project, a 345 kV transmission line, approximately 35 miles in length.
Broadview Wind has entered into two 20-year power purchase agreements with Southern California Edison for sale of 100 percent of the output, up to a total of 297 MW. The facility is limited to 297 MW of injection capacity at Broadview Wind’s transmission interconnection point.