News
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CPUC Approves Contract for Biomass Repowering at Coal-fired Facility
LCG, February 5, 2010--The California Public Utilities Commission approved a power purchase agreement between PG&E and Mt. Poso Cogeneration Company, LLC for renewable energy from the Mt. Poso Cogeneration facility, located near Bakersfield, California.
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Record Year for New Wind Power Installations in the U.S.
LCG, January 29, 2010--The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announced the U.S. wind industry set a new record by installing nearly 10,000 MW of new generating capacity last year. With the additions, the wind turbine generating capacity in the U.S. now totals over 35,000 MW.
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Industry News
AEP Finishes Building Texas Wind Farm
LCG, Nov. 20, 2001--American Electric Power Co. Inc. said this morning that it had completed one of the largest wind farms in the U.S. as "the first step toward strategic growth in renewable generation."AEP said it has finished building the 150 megawatt (nameplate capacity) Trent Mesa Wind Project near Abilene, Texas, which began producing electricity last summer. The wind farm, the fourth largest now operating in the United States, includes 100 wind turbines, each standing 328 feet tall on about 13 square miles. Construction of the wind farm cost approximately $160 million, the company said.Before making the investment, AEP made sure it had a buyer for the power. "We are actively working to increase the renewable portion of AEP's generation portfolio, following the same model we use for any generation project -- securing a contract for the power before we build the plant," said Thomas Shockley, chief operating officer.AEP said it expects Trent Mesa to generate more than 590 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, which would represent a capacity factor of 44.9 percent -- probably out of reach for any wind farm. In a 1995 report, the California Energy Commission said the wind farms in that state produced only 18 percent of their nameplate capacity. Some backers of wind power claim that a capacity factor of 35 percent is possible, but production figures over a multi-year period have yet to back them up.Shockley noted that Trent Mesa is the first significant wind farm in AEP's generation portfolio and said it "showcases AEP's wide array of capabilities. We developed the project, determined the appropriate site and negotiated a long-term contract for the electricity."But AEP will not let green power go to its head. "Wind is a viable energy source, but it may not be the right choice for all areas," Shockley said. "It is vital for our nation's energy security that all sources of electricity generation -- coal, gas, nuclear, hydro and wind or other renewables -- continue to play a role in the total generation mix."
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