Once completed the 2,000 MW Wind Catcher facility is expected to provide power to 1.1 million people living in four states.
The project will incorporate 800 state-of-the-art GE 2.5 Mwturbines, and be grid-connected with a 350-mile dedicated, extra-high voltage power line.
“Wind Catcher shows American leadership in bringing low-cost clean energy to market at giga scale,” said Invenergy’s Founder and CEO Michael Polsky.
“This project reflects Invenergy’s innovative spirit and unparalleled execution ability, and we are proud to be working with forward-looking utilities ... whose customers and communities will benefit from this project for decades to come,” Polsky said.
The Wind Catcher Energy Connection is expected to save customers in the four-state region more than $7 billion in energy costs over 25 years. It also will contribute approximately $300 million in property taxes over the life of the project.
The 2.5 MW GE turbines being used in the project are GE’s latest model, designed to enhance siting efficiency, offer industry-leading reliability and allow for higher energy production.
GE will also implement its Digital Wind Farm solutions, providing software to support wind operations including Asset Performance Management and Operations Optimization.
All machine heads and hubs will be manufactured in the U.S., and additional components will be manufactured in Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma.
“GE is delighted to be a part of the groundbreaking Wind Catcher project with Invenergy and American Electric Power,” said Pete McCabe, President and CEO of GE’s Onshore Wind business. “We look forward to putting our teams to work in these communities as we continue to move toward our goal of ensuring that no one has to choose between sustainable, reliable and affordable energy.”
The wind farm is expected to be fully operational in mid-2020.
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