GE receives $1.4 billion contract for wind farm turbines

April 26, 2010

GE, New York, has received a $1.4 billion contract from independent power producer Caithness Energy to supply wind turbines and provide services for an 845-MW wind farm project to be located in north-central Oregon.

The wind farm, called Shepherds Flat, has received the majority of the necessary government permits to operate and is ready to be built. When completed, it will stretch across 30 sq. miles—larger than any wind farm currently in operation around the globe, the company states.

Caithness Energy estimates that the $2 billion project will inject $16 million annually of direct economic benefits into Oregon and will employ 400 workers during construction and 35 during operation. In addition to the turbines, 85 miles of road and 90 miles of power connection to the grid will be built. Construction is to be completed in 2012.

The wind farm’s 338 2.5xl turbines will be assembled at GE’s site in Pensacola, Fla. The company will provide 10 years of operational and maintenance services to the project.