Vestas has received a 150 MW order out of a master supply agreement (MSA) with First Wind for multiple wind-energy projects in the United States. Vestas could ultimately supply First Wind with up to 568 MW worth of additional turbines for multiple projects.
As part of the MSA, Vestas will supply 75 V110-2.0 MW turbines to the 150 MW Route 66 wind-energy project near Amarillo, Texas. Deliveries are expected to occur for Route 66 in early 2015 with commissioning in mid-2015.
“We began working with First Wind a few years ago and have developed a strong partnership with one of the leading U.S. energy developers,” said Chris Brown, President of Vestas’ sales and service division in the United States and Canada. “The first project we did with them in Maine has achieved 99 percent availability since it was commissioned last year. We’re confident we can continue that kind of success with our proven products and services.”
Vestas’ factories in Colorado will be involved in manufacturing blades, nacelles and towers for the Route 66 project.
The First Wind projects in the MSA will feature 10-year service agreements using Active Output Management (AOM) 5000. AOM 5000 is an energy-based availability guarantee that ensures the turbines are operational when the wind is blowing. This service option includes the VestasOnline® surveillance system that remotely controls and monitors the turbines supports preventive maintenance practices that minimize turbine downtime.
Vestas has previously supplied turbines to First Wind for two projects — Palouse Wind in eastern Washington which includes 58 V100-1.8 MW turbines and Bull Hill in Maine which has 19 V100-1.8 MW. Both wind power plants were commissioned in 2012.
To meet customer demand, Vestas is adding more workers at three of its Colorado factories — the blade factory in Windsor as well as the blade and nacelle factories in Brighton. Vestas is recruiting now and expects to add hundreds of production workers in the first half of 2014 in Windsor and Brighton, primarily at the two blade factories.