Helena Energy Center is a 518MW-capacity co-located wind and solar project in the US state of Texas. The project was developed by Danish energy company Ørsted.
The renewable assets at the site include 268MW Helena wind farm and the 250MW Sparta solar farm.
In March 2021, Ørsted took the final investment decision and commenced construction on the project. The wind farm commenced operations in June 2022, while the solar power plant began operations in June 2024.
Overall, the renewable energy centre can meet the electricity demand of more than 110,000 homes and businesses annually contributing to Texas’ energy needs during peak demand periods.
The construction of the Helena Energy Center generated approximately 500 jobs.
In December 2024, Ørsted announced divesting a 50% equity stake in three US onshore projects, including Sparta Solar, to Energy Capital Partners (ECP). The proceeds from the transaction amounted to $572m.
The Danish firm continues to retain 50% equity ownership interest in the solar farm.
Helena Energy Center Location
The Helena Energy Center, situated in Bee County, South Texas, encompasses approximately 18,000 acres. The project is expected to create long-term value for local landowners hosting the project.
The site was selected for strong coastal winds and abundant sunshine. It also lies on a primary transmission path leading into the San Antonio load centre, which is recognised for its dynamic market.
It is also expected to inject over $114m into the local tax base.
Helena Wind Farm Details
The onshore Helena wind farm, located in Pawnee within Bee County, Texas, spans 25,000 acres. It is equipped with 66 wind turbines. The site also includes various infrastructure components such as an operations and maintenance building, a network of new access roads leading to the turbines, underground electrical collection cables, meteorological towers, a substation, and an overhead transmission line that connects to a substation at the Point of Interconnection.
The facility can generate 268MW of power using Vestas V-4.2 and V-3.6 turbines. The Vestas V-150 4.2MW series wind turbines, which are known for their high capacity factor, delivers a 21% increase in annual energy production compared to the V136-3.45 MW model.
These turbines come in multiple hub heights ranging from 105m to 166m, with a rotor diameter of 150m and a swept area of 17,671 square metres.
The energy generated from the Helena wind farm is supplied to the South ERCOT service territory during peak hours through the American Electric Power (AEP) transmission grid. The annual electricity output from the wind farm is sufficient to power approximately 90,000 homes. This project represents an investment of nearly $500m in Bee County.
Sparta Solar Farm Details
The Sparta solar power plant, with a 250MWac capacity, can produce more than 500,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually.
It is located within the unincorporated community of Mineral in Bee County.
The solar farm utilises photovoltaic bifacial panels and it is composed of more than 600,000 solar panels.
Power Purchase Agreements
In April 2023, Google entered into a 150MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ørsted to procure renewable energy from the Helena wind farm over a 15-year period. This move was part of Google’s commitment to integrating sustainable energy sources into its operations.
Additionally, pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson secured a PPA with Ørsted in November 2021. This agreement involves the offtake of 55MW of power from the Sparta solar farm.
German chemical company Henkel will also source power from the Helena wind farm. US-based retailer Target will also source solar power the Sparta solar farm.
