In an effort to meet Missouri’s ongoing renewable energy goals, Wind Capital Group is developing the state’s largest wind project, Lost Creek, with the support of GE’s 1.5-megawatt wind turbine technology.
The Lost Creek project supports Missouri’s Clean Air Initiative, which calls for 15 percent of the state’s power to be generated from renewable resources by the year 2021. When it enters commercial service in the spring of 2010, the project will have the capacity to generate 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power more than 50,000 homes.
GE is supplying and servicing 100 of its 1.5-MW units for the Lost Creek Wind Project, which is located in DeKalb County, Mo. The wind turbines will be delivered in 2009 and 2010. GE will provide operation and maintenance services for the project for five years.
“Even in these difficult economic times, it is possible to find people who are committed to the development of clean, wind-generated wind power,” said Wind Capital Group president Tom Carnahan.
“We’re pleased that GE Energy, the leading U.S. supplier of wind turbines, is joining us in this milestone project for the state of Missouri,” Carnahan added. “With its technology expertise and substantial experience in the wind industry, GE will help ensure the success of this important effort.”
Power generated at Lost Creek will be sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement to Associated Electric Cooperative.
“This marks our first project with Wind Capital Group, an innovative company that shares our commitment to help the United States develop its vast wind energy potential,” said Victor Abate, vice president for renewables, GE Power & Water. “We’re very excited to support projects like Lost Creek, which are helping the country move closer to energy independence.”
As the most widely deployed wind turbine in the world, GE’s 1.5-MW machine has demonstrated the flexibility to meet a wide range of wind project requirements. GE’s 12,000-plus installed wind turbine base coupled with the technology’s record of proven performance also is a major asset for project developers as they seek financing for their new projects.
