Cielo Wind Power, of Austin, Texas in conjunction with Edison Mission Group have ordered 161 MW of turbines from Siemens wind power division for the Wildorado Wind Ranch, which will be located near Amarillo, Texas.

The Siemens scope of supply consists of 70 2.3 MW Mk II turbines, including towers and transportation to the site, installation, startup and commissioning, and a five year service and maintenance agreement. The project is scheduled for commissioning in spring 2007. Siemens notes considerable growth in the US wind generation market with an increase in total capacity of 2,431 MW within the past year in deals worth more than $3 billion. This 36% increase puts the US at approximately 9,149 MW of installed capacity with the current year forecast a further increase in demand.

Extension of the production tax credits for wind power, and due to the high oil and gas prices, “this market experiences positive developments now and in the near future,” said Andreas Nauen, head of the wind power division of Siemens.