Press release from Xcel Energy:
Xcel Energy has formally purchased the Hale Wind Project from NextEra Energy Resources, paving the way for construction to begin this month.
“Our community partners and landowners have worked very hard to make this happen, and we’re honored to play a role in building a wind farm that will bring significant economic benefits to this area for years to come,” said David Hudson, president, Xcel Energy – Texas.
NextEra Energy Resources developed the project through a partnership with Hale County landowners. Xcel Energy announced in March 2017 that it had entered into an agreement with NextEra to purchase the development as part of its 1,230-megawatt wind energy expansion initiative that is expected to deliver more than $2 billion in energy savings to Xcel Energy’s Texas and New Mexico customers over 30 years.
Xcel Energy has gained the necessary approvals from regulators in both Texas and New Mexico to move forward with the plan, which also includes a new 522-megawatt wind facility Xcel Energy will build and own in Roosevelt County, N.M. Additionally, Xcel Energy plans to contract for 230 megawatts of wind energy from NextEra-owned facilities in Crosby and Cochran counties in Texas.
Wanzek Construction, Xcel Energy’s contractor, is mobilizing at the Hale Wind Project near Petersburg, Texas. Construction activities will start over the next few weeks. The first delivery of Vestas turbines is expected in October, with erection of the turbines starting soon after delivery. The Hale Wind Project is expected to be in commercial operation in June 2019.
The wind initiative is part of the company’s wider “Our Energy Future” initiative to strengthen and modernize electricity generating and delivery systems to enhance economic growth, job creation and quality of life in Texas and New Mexico. More information on Our Energy Future can be found at www.xcelenergy.com/ourenergyfuturesw.
(Press release from Xcel Energy)
