Pattern Energy Group 2 LP (Pattern Development) has completed construction and begun operations of its 220 MW Grady Wind facility, located in Curry County, N.M.
This marks the third and final phase of the company’s 544 MW suite of wind projects in the state. Pattern Development’s affiliate, Pattern Energy Group Inc., is operating the Grady Wind facility, along with the neighboring 324 MW Broadview Wind facilities.
“The successful completion of Grady Wind represents an important step in New Mexico’s evolution as a major renewable energy producer,” states Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Development. “As the leading wind developer and operator in New Mexico, we are proud to be helping position New Mexico as a wind energy leader. We also plan to ramp up construction in early 2020 on more than 800 MW of new wind facilities in central New Mexico, creating hundreds of new construction jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic impact. As wind and solar energy development grow throughout the state, New Mexicans will reap the economic benefits.”
The construction phase of Grady Wind created hundreds of jobs for New Mexicans, the company notes. It is now delivering additional economic benefits, including lease payments to landowners and tax revenue for the host communities of eastern New Mexico. The facility also employs approximately 20 full-time personnel for ongoing operations and maintenance.
Grady Wind is using 84 Siemens Gamesa 2.625 MW wind turbines with 120-meter rotors. During each year of operation, the facility will generate energy equal to the needs of nearly 90,000 homes.
Grady Wind has a 25-year power purchase agreement for 100% of the energy produced, and it will deliver wind power across the Western Interconnect transmission line, which was developed and placed in service in 2017 by Pattern Development.
