Duke Energy Renewables announced it has completed final Los Vientos wind project in Texas serving customers near the Rio Grande in Starr County, Texas.
This project, 200-MW Los Vientos IV, marks the last of the five area projects to begin operation. Together, the five Los Vientos wind projects total 900 MW.
Vestas supplied 100 V110-2.0 MW turbines for Los Vientos IV and will service the project under a three-year operations and maintenance agreement.
The Los Vientos projects generate the majority of their power during the day, when customer demand is greatest.
Austin Energy is purchasing the power and associated renewable energy credits from the 200-MW Los Vientos IV wind farm under a 25-year agreement, increasing its total output purchased from Duke Energy Renewables to more than 665 MW.
Texas is the key market for Duke Energy Renewables. The company has installed more than 1,500 MW of wind energy in Texas, more than double its owned wind capacity in other states combined.
“Four years ago, we first began capturing the winds off the gulf with Los Vientos I and II in Willacy County,” said Rob Caldwell, president, Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology. “Since then, we’ve brought three other Los Vientos wind projects on line, delivering 900 MW of clean energy to South Texas.
“Duke Energy has been a great partner and member of our community,” said Eloy Vera, Starr County Judge. “We look forward to continuing with them to provide more wind farm opportunities for our residences.”
The Los Vientos IV also brings a record for Vestas – 75 gigawatts installed in 75 countries
The facility was constructed by Wanzek Construction. Amshore US Wind provided development support for the project.
Rajani Baburajan