Duke Energy Renewables constructs 200-MW Mesteño wind project in Texas
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The project's output will be sold into the ERCOT market and Duke Energy Renewables will enter into a long-term hedge agreement covering the majority of the expected wind energy production.
The Mesteño Wind Project will be Duke Energy Renewables' fourth wind generation facility in Starr County.
The project has received strong local support from the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School district, Starr County, Starr County Hospital and South Texas College.
Construction has begun and will be completed by the end of 2019.
Once completed, Mesteño will contain turbines 590.5 feet tall – some of the tallest wind turbines in the United States.
The tall tower turbines will harness stronger winds and increase wind energy production.
This project increases Duke Energy Renewables' U.S. wind capacity to more than 2,500 MW.
During peak construction, the wind project will create approximately 200 jobs.
It will also deliver more than $16 million in tax revenue over the first 10 years of its operation.
Vestas supplied 56 3.6-MW tall tower turbines for the site.
The 200-MW Mesteño wind facility will produce enough energy to power about 60,000 average homes.
Amshore US Wind provided development support for the project, and Wanzek Construction is the contractor. ■