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Construction begins on world’s largest wind project

The Tehachapi area is well known for its wind farms, and is now set to host a further 1,550MW generating capacity

Work got underway yesterday on building the world’s largest wind energy project in California’s Mojave Desert.

The Alta Wind Energy Center is being constructed in phases at a site in Tehachapi, and is expected to ultimately reach a 1,550 megawatt generating capacity.

The facility would be nearly twice the size of the largest wind farm operating today, producing enough clean energy to supply 275,000 homes.

Developers Terra-Gen Power said its project would create more than 3,000 domestic manufacturing, construction and operation jobs, putting more than $1.2 billion into the local economy in Kern County.

Many of the jobs being supported by the project are in Colorado, where wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has a cluster of production facilities (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

Boosting California’s wind generating capacity by 25%, the new Alta Wind Energy Center is set to foster environmental benefits equivalent to taking 446,000 cars off the road, the firm added.

State, local and federal officials gathered at the site yesterday for a groundbreaking event.

“Immense”

Jim Pagano, CEO at Terra-Gen, said: “All of us at Terra-Gen are proud of the immense contribution that the Alta Wind Energy Center project will make to America’s clean energy economy. AWEC will create a record-breaking amount of domestic wind energy, securing America’s energy independence while protecting our natural resources for future generations.”

Terra-Gen Power has its HQ in New York City, and already owns 831MW of renewable energy capacity through 21 projects.

The company was set up by energy investment firm ArcLight Capital Partners in 2007.

Commenting on the new wind farm project, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said: “Having the world’s largest wind project break ground in our state is tangible evidence that our pioneering policies are drawing investment, improving the economy and creating jobs now when we need them most. I look forward to seeing many more record-breaking projects like this one being built in California that will provide clean electricity and many more jobs.”

The Tehachapi area is well known for its wind farm projects, with turbines installed since the 1980s.