Vestas in line for RES giant

Developer RES Americas proposes to install Vestas turbines at the 300MW Glacier Ridge wind farm in North Dakota.

The current layout for the project consists of up to 87 V126 3.45MW machines, although RES seeks regulatory flexibility to select the most appropriate technology at the time of construction, the proponent said in an application for a certificate of site compatibility to the state Public Service Commission.

Each turbine will have a 285-foot hub height and a 413-foot rotor diameter.

RES aims to receive approval in October and start construction in November to ensure the project qualifies for federal production tax credits, worth 2.3 cents/kWh.

“For Glacier Ridge to be economically competitive in the 2017–2020 timeframe – and to provide the lowest cost power for the ratepayers of North Dakota – it is critical that the project qualify for 100% of the PTC [Production Tax Credit] by starting construction in 2016,” said RES.

The PTC was extended through 2019, but at a declining rate each year after 2016.

RES developed the project jointly with Peak Wind Development, which is owned by landowners within the 34,450-acre project area in Barnes County.

“The project was originated by Peak and is truly a local, grassroots wind energy development project,” said RES.

The company said it will likely perform the initial engineering and will serve as general contractor for construction of the project.

The proponent also plans to build a 345kV generator tie line extending 6.4km to 32.2km, depending on the point of interconnection.

Assuming a net capacity factor of 39.6%, the projected average annual output is estimated at 1,041,208 MWh/year.

The developer anticipates commercial operation will begin in December 2019.

Image: Vestas V126 units (Vestas)