The global agreement covers Vestas turbines in all regions but is initially commercially available only in the United States and Canada with other countries to follow.

Production of NRG Systems’ Bat Deterrent System began in April 2019, following three years of field testing. The technology, which utilizes ultrasound to dissuade bats from entering the rotor-swept zone of a turbine, has been adopted by major renewable energy developers, including Duke Energy Renewables and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments. In addition to conserving declining bat populations, NRG’s Bat Deterrent System can help reduce AEP losses associated with bat activity at wind plants.

“Vestas, the world’s largest wind energy solutions company, has made a major statement by being the first to offer our Bat Deterrent System as an upgrade for their turbines,” said Evan Vogel, President at NRG Systems. “This commitment illustrates their dedication to offering customers solutions that help projects co-exist with the natural environment. This technology will provide Vestas turbine owners a cost-effective means to conserve bat populations.”

NRG’s Bat Deterrent System features five acoustic panels that are installed on the nacelle of the wind turbine. Retrofit installations take approximately half of a day per system and integrate seamlessly into the wind plant’s SCADA System. NRG and Vestas are working to maximize the number of turbine platforms the Bat Deterrent System can be installed on.
“Introducing this innovative solution to our Vestas portfolio, is part of our ongoing commitment to provide customized solutions to meet customer needs and it also expands our solutions to combine efficient production with protection of wildlife,” said Mariel Garrido, head of fleet optimization, Vestas.

For those interested in NRG Systems’ Bat Deterrent System, please contact bats@nrgsystems.com. Inquiries about bat deterrent solutions for Vestas turbines should be directed to bats@vestas.com.

News item from NRG Systems

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“Our Southern Colorado system is one of the cleanest in the state, powered entirely by renewables and natural gas with zero percent coal-fired generation, and we’re excited to partner with Vestas to provide customers and the region with even more clean energy,” said Vance Crocker, Black Hills’ VP of electric operations in Southern Colorado. “When given the opportunity, we seek partnership with local businesses and suppliers to boost local economic development efforts and fortify Southern Colorado as a leader in renewable energy.”

60-MW Busch Ranch II wind project

Once the wind project is integrated into the Southern Colorado grid, renewable energy will make up more than 30% of Black Hills’ energy supply, meeting the requirements of Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard. The project will also provide an estimated $240 million in savings to customers over 25 years.

The wind project will include 27 Vestas wind turbines, components of which will be manufactured at Vestas’ Colorado factories, including tower sections built at Vestas’ Pueblo campus, the largest wind turbine tower factory in the world. Building the components in Colorado will contribute to jobs and local economic development.

“It is especially meaningful to be a part of adding clean, affordable wind energy to Colorado, home to Vestas’ North American manufacturing base,” said Chris Brown, president of Vestas’ sales and service division in the U.S. and Canada. “We’re pleased to partner again with Black Hills, and to be part of making Busch Ranch II a truly Colorado made project, which will bring energy and jobs to the community.”

“Partnerships like these demonstrate the collaborative nature of the greater Pueblo area and spur economic opportunities that are so important for the growth of our community. It’s a pleasure to see local businesses working together to advance our region’s renewable energy goals,” said Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar.

The Busch Ranch II wind project will be built near the Busch Ranch I wind project in Southeastern Colorado, which also features Vestas equipment. Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019 and construction is targeted for completion by the end of the year.

News item from Black Hills Energy

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“This project is a great addition to our renewable portfolio,” said Bill Gratham, president, Southern Power. “We continue to strive to develop clean, safe, reliable and affordable wholesale energy resources for the benefit of our customers.”

The project, located in Lewis and Thurston Counties, Washington, is Southern Power’s first wind facility in the state. Skookumchuck was developed by RES and is expected to use 38 wind turbines manufactured by Vestas. Construction is underway, and the project is expected to achieve commercial operation in Q1 2020.

Once operational, the electricity and associated renewable energy credits generated by the facility will be sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Puget Sound Energy, which will use the resource to meet the electricity demand of their Green Direct product customers. Southern Power is the majority owner and has signed an agreement to sell a minority stake in the facility to TransAlta Corporation upon commercial operation.

With the addition of Skookumchuck, Southern Power’s wind portfolio consists of more than 1,960 MW of wind generation. Southern Power’s wind facilities are a part of the company’s 3,190-MW renewable fleet, which consists of 40 solar and wind facilities operating or under construction.

This project aligns with Southern Power’s overall business strategy of strengthening its wholesale business by acquiring and developing generating assets that are covered by long-term contracts with counterparties with strong credit support.

News item from Southern Power

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