WEA has been working with Outland Renewable Energy to retrofit and commission these turbines, acquired in September of 2008, in order to achieve commercial operation. It is expected that commissioning of the second G-87 turbine will also be completed in first quarter of 2010.
The turbine has an 87 meter diameter rotor, a 78 meter tower and is capable of generating power (approximately five million kWh annually) to power about 500 homes. Energy produced by ZR is to be sold to Interstate Power and Light under a power purchase agreement.
Mel Wentz, CEO of WEA, said: “The commissioning and operation of this turbine is the first step in optimizing WEA’s existing wind assets and providing the foundation for long-term growth and development of Wind Energy America.”
