Updates on GE Wind Projects | Renewable Energy News Article

Austin, Texas [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] GE Energy Financial Services is investing in a $350 million, 166-megawatt (MW) wind generation project. The project's developer, Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES), is beginning construction of the Hackberry wind farm in Shackelford County, Texas, and is scheduled to complete it by December.

RES's Hackberry project will feature 72 Siemens MK II 2.3-MW wind turbines. The project interconnects with Oncor Electric Delivery Company and includes a 15-year power purchase agreement with the City of Austin through Austin Energy. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

"We are delighted to have completed our first investment with RES, deepened our profile in Texas and reinforced our commitment to the wind power and overall renewables sectors," said Kevin Walsh, Managing Director and leader of renewable energy at GE Energy Financial Services.

GE also announced the completion of a wind farm in Texas with the tallest utility-scale wind turbines in the United States. The compnay worked with Enel North America on the project.

The Snyder Wind project in Scurry County, Texas, features 21 Vestas V90 3.0-MW turbines mounted on towers measuring a record-breaking 345 feet. Construction was completed in December 2007.

"The Snyder project takes both wind and Enel to new heights," said Toni Volpe, Enel North America CEO. "The project represents the first of several wind farms slated to come online in the next 12 months which will more than triple Enel North America's wind capacity by the end of 2008. Enel is pleased to add this innovative project to its global renewable energy portfolio."