Renewable Energy Systems announced today the completion of Phase II of the Nine Canyon wind project in Washington State, USA. The wind farm has been built on a turnkey contract by RES (USA) Inc for Energy Northwest and achieved substantial completion two weeks ahead of schedule, despite the construction team battling harsh weather conditions at the site during most of November.

Phase II represents a 15.6MW extension to the existing 48.1MW project, with the addition of 12 Bonus 1.3MW wind turbines. The 63.7MW Nine Canyon wind farm remains the largest public-owned project in the United States. It brings the total wind power capacity built by RES in the US to 610MW since 1999.

Construction work began on site in the summer and the first turbine began producing power on 22 September, 8 days ahead of the project deadline. The last of the 12 turbines was installed on 4 December and substantial completion achieved last week.

Chris Morgan, Engineering Director for the RES Group, said;

“Phase I was a tremendously successful construction project for RES and we are delighted to have repaid the trust that Energy Northwest placed in us with the award of the contract for Phase II. The construction team in Washington State has battled with severe weather conditions over the last two months, including high winds, snow and heavy fog, which caused various delays. It is a great achievement to complete the project before the end of the year deadline and evidence of the first-class relationship we have with Energy Northwest, Bonus and everyone else involved.”

For Renewable Energy Systems, the Nine Canyon project has been an important milestone.

Managing Director of the RES group, Dr Ian Mays, added;

”The first phase of Nine Canyon marked our entry into yet another part of the United States, the Pacific Northwest, where we have established a base with an office in Portland. We were delighted to have our position there consolidated with the award of the contract to construct phase II of the project and its completion this week is a cause for celebration.”

Energy Northwest will own the Nine Canyon Wind Project and will be responsible for operation and maintenance.

ENDS