Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, announced its 200-MW Mesteño Windpower project in Starr County, TX, became fully operational on December 31, 2019.
The Mesteño Windpower project is Duke Energy’s fourth wind generation facility in Starr County and its eleventh in Texas.
“We’re excited to bring another wind project online in Texas and plan to continue investing in renewable energy in the state,” said Robb Caldwell, president of Duke Energy Renewables. “This project will deliver clean energy and significant economic benefits.”
The Mesteño project includes 590.5-foot turbines – among the tallest wind turbines in the country. According to Duke Energy’s press release, “The taller turbines harness stronger winds, which result in an increase in wind production.” The project’s energy will be sold into the ERCOT market and Duke Energy Renewables recently entered into a long-term hedge agreement covering the anticipated wind energy production.
During the peak construction period, the project created around 200 jobs. The Mesteño Windpower project is estimated to generate more than $16 million in tax revenue during its first 10 years of operation.
This 200-MW project will produce enough wind-generated energy to power 60,000 average homes. Duke Energy expects to own or purchase 8,000 megawatts of wind, solar and biomass energy by the end of 2020.
Read the full press release for further information.
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