Orion Renewable Energy Group has slashed the number of turbines by more than half for the 400MW Golden Hills project in Oregon to take advantage of improvements in turbine technology.
The developer now proposes to install 125 larger capacity machines on about 27,000 acres of privately owned farmland in Sherman County.
A 2009 state permit authorizes construction of up to 267 GE sle 1.5MW units.
The Oregon Energy Department and Energy Facility Siting Council are considering a ‘request for amendment’. Comments may be submitted through 4 March.
The change would increase the maximum turbine tower height to 90 meters from 80 meters and boost the maximum rotor swept area to 126 meters from 90 meters.
A five-mile 230kV transmission line would link to the Bonneville Power Administration grid near the existing Klondike system substation.
The amended site certificate would eliminate a previously approved 11-mile 500kV line and a second substation.
The proponent also seeks to extend construction deadlines by two years, to June 2018 to start work and June 2021 to complete the wind farm.
The extension would allow the developer “to complete the review process with the Federal Aviation Administration, and to update and refine the facility design in order to respond to recent changes in the wind energy market and enhance the feasibility of the proposed project, using equipment that is currently available in the market”, said Orion in a regulatory filing.
The company said it may build the project in phases based on market factors.
Image: 125 GE 3.2MW units could now be used at Golden Hills (GE)
