Major Wind Projects of 2022

MAJOR U.S. WIND PROJECTS

Major U.S. wind project milestones from 2022 milestones from 2022

Western Spirit Wind

1-GW wind project portfolio built by Blattner Energy New Mexico

Pattern Energy Group started commercial operation of Western Spirit Wind, a group of four wind farms totaling more than 1,050 MW located in Guadalupe, Lincoln and Torrance counties in New Mexico. The four projects are made of 377 GE wind turbines ranging from 2.3 to 2.8-MW. Pattern Energy developed the projects and Blattner Energy served as the construction contractor. The wind farms were built over 15 months and required more than 1,100 workers. Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy, said Western Spirit demonstrates that large-scale renewables can be built and deployed in the United States.

EDP Renewables repowers phase of 423-MW Oklahoma wind farm Oklahoma

EDP Renewables North America repowered the second phase of Blue Canyon Wind Farm in Kiowa and Caddo counties, Oklahoma, extending the project’s lifespan by 20 to 30 years. In total, the repowering project brings Blue Canyon to 423 MW. EDPR NA replaced 73 of 84 turbines at Blue Canyon II, replacing each turbine’s nacelle, blades and top tower sections, upgrading from V80 1.8 MW to V110 2 MW.

MAJOR U.S. WIND PROJECTS

Single-largest wind project in North America comes online Oklahoma

AEP constructed the single-largest wind farm built at one time in North America, the 998-MW Traverse Wind Energy Center in Blaine and Custer counties in Oklahoma. Developed by Invenergy, the project delivers power to Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana customers.

Construction underway on New York’s first offshore wind farm New York

New York legislators held a symbolic “groundbreaking” ceremony for the South Fork Wind offshore project to mark the start of construction. South Fork is the state’s first offshore wind project and the second commercial-scale offshore project approved in U.S. federal waters.

1st cross-border wind project between US and Mexico completed California

Sempra Infrastructure started operations on Phase II of Energía Sierra Juàrez, the first cross-border renewable energy project between Mexico and the United States. The expansion added 26 new wind turbines for a total of 263 MW.

Invenergy building 250-MW Illinois wind project Illinois

Invenergy completed construction on the 250MW Sapphire Sky Wind Energy Center in McLean County, Illinois, in December 2022. Sapphire Sky created 300 jobs during its 12-month construction period.

Great Pathfinder Wind constructs 224-MW wind project Iowa

Great Pathfinder Wind, a 224-MW wind project in Iowa, reached commercial operations in Q4 2022. Apex Clean Energy and IEA Constructors were involved on the project that supports Facebook parent company Meta’s operation under a longterm PPA for the full capacity of the project.

Enel Green Power finishes 300-MW wind farm and new training facility Oklahoma

The Seven Cowboy wind project started operations before the end of 2022. Additionally, Enel is planning a new office space outfitted with facilities to simulate working inside wind turbines. Coursework will cover topics on safety, ladder rescues and turbine repair.

RWE Renewables powers on 200-MW wind farm in ERCOT Texas

El Algodon Alto, a 200-MW onshore wind farm in San Patricio County, Texas, is operating and supplying power to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas south market. RWE Renewables completed construction of the 91 Vestas turbines in May 2022.

200-MW wind project completed across 28,000 acres of farmland Oregon

The 200-MW Golden Hills wind farm in Sherman County, Oregon, reached commercial operation in May 2022 for Puget Sound Energy. Golden Hills is built across approximately 28,000 acres of grazing and dry-land wheat farmland held by 37 landowners.

Cordelio Power completes Glacier Sands wind farm Illinois

Cordelio Power constructed a 185-MW wind project in Mason County, Illinois. Glacier Sands wind farm is composed of 43 Vestas V150.43 wind turbines and reached commercial operation. The wind farm is selling 100% of its power to tech giant Microsoft.

Enel Green Power finishes 350MW wind + storage project Texas

Enel Green Power completed the 350-MW Azure Sky wind farm paired with a 137-MW/205-MWh battery storage facility. Located in Throckmorton County, Texas, Azure Sky’s energy output is relegated to several corporate customers through power purchase agreements.

Azure Sky