Wind Energy
Shepherds Flat Wind Farm USA
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is a large wind power project located in Oregon, USA. It was developed by Caithness Energy and built by General Electric (GE) Energy Financial Services, with construction starting in 2009 and the wind farm being commissioned in 2012.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm has a total capacity of 845 MW and consists of 338 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 2.5 MW. At the time of its completion, it was the largest wind farm in the world in terms of installed capacity. The wind turbines are arranged across an area of approximately 30 square miles in rural Gilliam and Morrow Counties in north-central Oregon.
The power generated by the wind farm is sold to Southern California Edison under long-term power purchase agreements. The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is expected to produce enough energy to power approximately 235,000 homes annually and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.5 million tons per year.
Shepherds Flat Wind Farm USA History
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm project was originally proposed by Caithness Energy in 2008. The project was approved by the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council in 2009, and construction began in 2010. The wind farm was built by a consortium led by General Electric (GE) Energy Financial Services, which also included Caithness Energy and the Tyr Energy subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation.
The construction of the wind farm was completed in September 2012, and the wind farm was officially commissioned in October 2012. At the time of its completion, the Shepherds Flat Wind Farm was the largest wind farm in the world in terms of installed capacity, although this record has since been surpassed by other wind farms.
The project received a $1.3 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, as part of the department's program to support the development of clean energy projects. The loan guarantee was provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which was aimed at creating jobs and promoting economic recovery in the wake of the global financial crisis.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm has been praised for its contribution to the development of renewable energy in the United States, as well as for its potential to create jobs and boost economic growth in the region. However, the project has also faced criticism from some local residents, who have raised concerns about the impact of the wind turbines on the landscape and on wildlife in the area.
Shepherds Flat Wind Farm USA - Profile
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is a large wind power project located in north-central Oregon, USA.
Here are some key facts about the project:
Capacity: The wind farm has a total capacity of 845 megawatts (MW), which makes it one of the largest wind farms in the world. It consists of 338 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 2.5 MW.
Location: The wind farm is situated in rural Gilliam and Morrow Counties in Oregon, covering an area of approximately 30 square miles.
Developer: The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm was developed by Caithness Energy, a renewable energy company based in New York.
Construction: The project was built by a consortium led by General Electric (GE) Energy Financial Services, which also included Caithness Energy and the Tyr Energy subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation. Construction began in 2010 and was completed in 2012.
Financing: The project received a $1.3 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, as part of the department's program to support the development of clean energy projects.
Power Purchase Agreements: The power generated by the wind farm is sold to Southern California Edison under long-term power purchase agreements.
Environmental Impact: The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.5 million tons per year. However, the project has also faced criticism from some local residents who have raised concerns about the impact of the wind turbines on the landscape and on wildlife in the area.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is a significant renewable energy project that has helped to increase the capacity of wind power in the United States and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Shepherds Flat Wind Farm USA - Technology
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm uses advanced wind turbine technology to generate electricity from wind power.
Here are some key aspects of the technology used in the project:
Turbines: The wind farm consists of 338 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 2.5 megawatts (MW). The turbines are manufactured by General Electric (GE) and are of the 2.5XL model, which is designed for high energy production and reliability.
Rotor Blades: The rotor blades of the wind turbines are made of lightweight composite materials, which help to increase the efficiency of the turbines and reduce the loads on the tower and foundation.
Control Systems: The wind turbines are equipped with advanced control systems that allow them to operate in a range of wind speeds and conditions. The control systems are designed to optimize the performance of the turbines and minimize their environmental impact.
Substation: The wind farm has a substation that collects the electricity generated by the turbines and converts it from high voltage to a lower voltage for transmission to the power grid.
Transmission Lines: The electricity generated by the wind farm is transmitted to Southern California Edison under long-term power purchase agreements. The transmission lines are designed to minimize losses and ensure reliable delivery of electricity.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm uses advanced wind turbine technology to maximize energy production and minimize environmental impact. The use of lightweight composite materials, advanced control systems, and efficient transmission systems are all key features of the project's technology.
Shepherds Flat Wind Farm USA - Operator
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is operated by Caithness Energy, the developer of the project. Caithness Energy is a renewable energy company based in New York, with a focus on the development, construction, and operation of wind, solar, and thermal power projects.
In addition to the Shepherds Flat Wind Farm, Caithness Energy has developed several other renewable energy projects across the United States, including wind, solar, and thermal projects. The company's portfolio includes the 845 MW Shepherds Flat Wind Farm, the 166 MW Pacific Northwest Hybrid project, and the 127 MW Blooming Grove Wind Farm, among others.
Caithness Energy has a team of experienced professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Shepherds Flat Wind Farm. The company is committed to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the wind farm, while also maximizing energy production and minimizing environmental impact.
Shepherds Flat Wind Farm USA - Financial and International Investment
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm was a major project that required significant financial investment from multiple sources.
Here are some key details about the project's financing and international investment:
Loan Guarantee: The project received a $1.3 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, as part of the department's program to support the development of clean energy projects. The loan guarantee was provided to a consortium led by General Electric Energy Financial Services, which also included Caithness Energy and the Tyr Energy subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation.
Equity Investment: In addition to the loan guarantee, the project also received significant equity investment from several sources, including Google and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Google invested $100 million in the project, while Sumitomo Mitsui provided $500 million in equity.
International Investment: The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm also attracted investment from international sources, including Japan and the United Arab Emirates. Sumitomo Mitsui, a Japanese bank, provided equity investment, while Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) provided a $200 million equity investment.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm was a major project that required significant financial investment from multiple sources. The project's ability to attract investment from both domestic and international sources reflects the growing interest in renewable energy and the potential of wind power to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.
Shepherds Flat Wind Farm USA - Energy Contribution
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is one of the largest wind farms in the world and is capable of generating a significant amount of clean energy.
Here are some key details about the wind farm's energy contribution:
Capacity: The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm has a total installed capacity of 845 megawatts (MW), which is equivalent to the energy required to power approximately 235,000 homes.
Annual Production: The wind farm is expected to produce approximately 2 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which is equivalent to the energy required to power approximately 200,000 homes.
Environmental Impact: The wind farm's clean energy production is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1.5 million tons per year, compared to the emissions from a fossil fuel power plant that produces the same amount of electricity.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm's significant energy contribution is a key factor in the project's success. The wind farm's clean energy production is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Conclusion for Shepherds Flat Wind Farm USA
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is a major renewable energy project in the United States, and one of the largest wind farms in the world.
With an installed capacity of 845 MW, the wind farm is capable of generating a significant amount of clean, renewable energy, which is expected to power approximately 235,000 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1.5 million tons per year.
The project uses advanced wind turbine technology, including lightweight composite rotor blades and advanced control systems, to optimize energy production and minimize environmental impact. The wind farm's substation and transmission lines are also designed to ensure reliable delivery of electricity to the power grid.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm was made possible through a significant financial investment from multiple sources, including the U.S. Department of Energy, equity investment from Google and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and international investment from Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm is a prime example of the potential of renewable energy to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity, while also contributing to a more sustainable energy future.