French renewables player Akuo Energy is preparing to start construction next year on the first phase of a 300MW wind project in the southeast corner of New Mexico.
Subsidiary Akuo Energy USA said it has completed development of a 30MW tranche, located in Lea County on ranch land owned by Brett Sterling, a landowner who initiated the project.
The developer proposes to install 12 Nordex 2.5MW turbines, according to regulatory filings. The wind farm’s 34.5kV collection system will connect to a Lea County Electric Cooperative 69.kV transmission circuit that runs through the site.
Akuo is in the process of completing the remaining studies including environmental, noise impact, interconnection and Federal Aviation Authority.
The Lea County Board of County Commissioners last week approved an industrial revenue bond inducement for the project.
Construction of Sterling 1 could begin at the end of 2016, with a target commercial operation date in late 2017.
Image: (Akuo Energy USA)
