Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has received orders from NextEra Energy Resources’ subsidiary to repower three of its wind farms, totalling 508MW, in the US state of Texas.
Image: Siemens Gamesa to repower three wind farms in US. Photo: Courtesy of cristina miguel/FreeImages.com.
The Spanish wind turbine-maker has signed two agreements with NextEra’s subsidiary. Under the first agreement, SGRE will repower 362 of Vestas’ V47 turbines at the Indian Mesa and Woodward wind farms in Texas.
Overhaul of the Vestas’ turbines will feature hardware and control upgrade. This will increase the output from 660kW to 710kW, resulting in extending the life of the wind farms for 10 years more than their original life time.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and the sites will be in operation during the repowering process.
Siemens Gamesa stated that its overhaul option has been designed to upgrade electrical and electronic components in the wind turbines from other turbine suppliers.
Siemens Gamesa Service Business Unit CEO Mark Albenze said: “We highly value our continued partnership with NextEra Energy Resources.
“As a multi-brand service provider, we can enhance the performance of V47 turbines with our cutting-edge solutions by delivering maximum performance and optimal energy output, allowing NextEra Energy Resources to achieve the best possible return on their investment.”
Under the second agreement, Siemens Gamesa and the US utility have agreed to repower 210 units of legacy Bonus 1.3MW turbines installed at the King Mountain wind farm in 2001.
As part of the agreement, Siemens Gamesa will provide upgraded materials, warranty and commissioning services. When completed, the King Mountain wind farm is expected to see improved reliability for its 268MW capacity.
Albenze said: “Repowering the Bonus units demonstrates Siemens Gamesa’s commitment to maximizing value for our customers throughout an asset’s lifecycle.
“The upgrades will improve the reliability of these units by modernizing the turbines to reduce maintenance requirements and sustain overall site availability.”
Recently, Siemens Gamesa was selected to supply 98 of its SWT-2.3-108 turbines, with a total capacity of 225MW in the US. The wind farm will be located in Kansas and will generate enough power to be supplied to about 73,000 average US households.
The company stated that it will produce the blades, nacelles and hubs locally at its Iowa and Kansas facilities for the project.