Leeward Renewable Energy has completed the repowering of its over 54MW Crescent Ridge wind farm at Tiskilwa in the US state of Illnois.
The 54.4MW repower included decommissioning nine turbines, repowering 24 legacy machines and constructing four new units, the company said.
Leeward said the upgrades utilise the latest Vestas technology, enhancing turbine capacity, reliability and performance, while reducing operating costs.
Crescent Ridge will help Amazon meet its Climate Pledge commitment to reach net-zero carbon by 2040 and get one step closer to powering its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Wells Fargo served as coordination lead arranger, administrative and collateral agent on the $92m financing for the project.
The finance included a construction plus a five-year term loan, tax equity bridge loan and a letter of credit facility, along with a commitment to provide tax equity.
Concurrently with the completion of construction, the construction loan converted to a five-year term loan, and the tax equity bridge loan was discharged with proceeds from the funding of Wells Fargo’s tax equity commitment.
Santander Bank served as joint lead arranger.
Leeward vice president of project management and construction Sam Mangrum said: “We are pleased that our Crescent Ridge project is operational and are proud to have provided jobs and other economic benefits to the Tiskilwa community throughout the construction and repower process.
“I would like to thank the local landowners for their support and look forward to continue working closely with them in the years to come.”