The project, which will increase the installed wind power capacity in California by 25%, will be powered by nearly 600 wind power turbines to generate enough electricity to power 1.1 million people, or the equivalent of 275,000 homes.
Through this project, the company expects to create more than 3,000 domestic manufacturing, construction and operation and maintenance jobs, thereby increasing wind industry jobs in California by 20% and contributing more than $1.2bn to the local economy in Kern County.
The project will also generate green jobs in other states of California as well with Vestas-American Wind Technology utilizing its Colorado facilities, which employ over 1,000 people with the intention to hire hundreds more, to supply 190 wind turbines for the project.
The project is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 52 million metric tons and conserve more than 888 million gallons of water annually.
Jim Pagano, CEO of Terra-Gen Power, said: “All of us at Terra-Gen are proud of the immense contribution that the Alta Wind Energy Center project will make to America’s clean energy economy.
“The overwhelming support of the Kern County community, California’s enlightened energy policies, and the Federal renewable programs in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act combined to make the Alta Wind Energy Center a reality.”
