With transmission-related constraints having been successfully addressed, Iberdrola Renewables has resumed full construction of the El Cabo Wind Farm in Torrance County, N.M.
The 298 MW project, featuring up to 149 wind turbines, is slated for commercial operations in the second half of 2017 and would be the largest wind farm in the state, according to Iberdrola.
The company says it has secured an off-take arrangement for the full output of the plant and has engaged in significant construction and procurement activities to date.
Following a delay in the project's construction schedule due to transmission-related issues, the on-site construction effort will now ramp back up, including civil and road work on the combined 56,000-acre project area, which comprises private and state trust land managed by the New Mexico State Land Office.
"We have enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with local, regional and state officials to get this project to this point, and we're excited about having a viable commercial operating wind farm in sight," says Frank Burkhartsmeyer, CEO of Iberdrola Renewables. "With the resumption of full construction, we'll now be building large wind farms in two states new to our portfolio: New Mexico and North Carolina."
The El Cabo Wind Farm has already put a number of local businesses to work and is expected to provide at least $1.5 million in lease payments per year – for a total of at least $37.5 million over the 25-year life of the project.
