Danish wind turbine-maker Vestas has secured an order to supply 144MW turbines to Avangrid Renewables for Otter Creek wind farm in Illinois.

Vestas

Image: Vestas to supply turbines for Otter Creek wind farm in Illinois. Photo: Courtesy of Vestas Wind Systems A/S.

For this order from Avangrid Renewables, Vestas will supply its V136-3.45MW turbines delivered in 3.6MW Power Optimised Mode. The total capacity of the Otter Creek wind farm is 158MW and includes previously purchased components from Vestas.

Delivery of the turbines will start in the second quarter of next year, while the commissioning is scheduled to take place in the third quarter, Vestas noted.

Avangrid Renewables projects vice president David Carroll said: “The proven technology of Vestas wind turbines makes for a great fit as we start to mobilize construction at our newest Illinois wind farm.

“Capitalizing on their advanced platform enables us to deliver a competitive project that brings substantial long-term economic benefits to Allen and Otter Creek townships in LaSalle County.”

The order also includes supply and commissioning of the turbines along with a multi-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement. Vestas stated that this service has been designed to maximize the uptime and energy generation and can ensure optimized performance during the project’s lifetime.

Vestas US and Canada sales and service division President Chris Brown said: “We’re pleased to build on our portfolio with Avangrid Renewables, and expand the 4 MW platform footprint throughout the US.

“The production, transportation, and construction of these turbines will support substantial numbers of jobs and stimulate millions of dollars of spending across a thriving American supply chain, while the long-term operations of the project will deliver clean, low-cost energy to the community, and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue and land lease payments.”

Separately, Vestas stated that it is relocating its testing related activities at West Medina Mills to the nearby St. Cross facility on Isle of Wight. The relocation is expected to make room for MHI Vestas’ expansion at Isle of Wight.

MHI Vestas blade production director James Luter said: “With Vestas moving their blade, bearing and material testing to St. Cross, we are now considering how MHI Vestas can take full advantage of the West Medina Mills facility for offshore blade production.”

The relocation work will begin this week and some of Vestas’ staff will remain at the West Medina Mills facility. Vestas employs 130 people at Isle of Wight.