US-based InterGen has signed a deal with Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.B. de C.V. (IEnova) to purchase a 50% stake in 155MW first phase of the Energía Sierra Juarez wind project in Mexico.

Wind farm

The first phase of the Energía Sierra Juárez project is valued at around $300m and the 155MW wind farm is located in Tecate municipality, Baja California state.

It is the first cross-border wind-generation project between Mexico and the US.

Equipped with 47 3.3MW Vestas turbines, the wind project has a 20-year power purchase agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric and is expected to be operational in the first half of 2015.

Meanwhile, the deal is subject to regulatory approvals of Mexico and the US.

Financial terms of the partnership agreement were not disclosed.

InterGen president and CEO Neil H. Smith said, "We are very pleased to be working with IEnova on our first renewables’ generation project, an area of expected growth for us in the future.

"InterGen is committed to growing its business in Mexico and we view IEnova as an ideal strategic partner as they bring many complementary skills in the development, construction and operation of energy infrastructure in Mexico."

IEnova chairman and CEO Carlos Ruiz Sacristán said, "This transaction is a key milestone in the development of Energía Sierra Juarez and completes our original plan to include a strategic partner."


Image: InterGen buys 50% interest in nergía Sierra Juarez wind project. Photo: courtesy of koko-tewan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.