Texas-based Los Vientos wind power project’s 426 turbine becomes operational

The 426th turbine of the Los Vientos wind power projects has become operational and serving customers near the Rio Grande in Starr County, Texas.

This marks the completion of Los Vientos IV, the last of the five area projects to begin operation.

Duke Energy Renewables has installed more than 1,500 MW of wind energy in Texas.

, more than double its owned wind capacity in other states combined.

Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology president Rob Caldwell said: “Four years ago, we first began capturing the winds off the gulf with Los Vientos I and II in Willacy County. 

“Since then, we’ve brought three other Los Vientos wind projects on line, delivering 900 MW of clean energy to South Texas.

“With 500 MW of that total in Starr County, we’d like to thank county leaders and our business partners for helping us deliver clean, low-cost renewable energy to south Texas customers and provide economic benefits to this region.”

Austin Energy is purchasing the power and associated renewable energy credits from the 200-MW Los Vientos IV wind farm under a 25-year agreement, increasing its total output purchased from Duke Energy Renewables to more than 665 MW.

Los Vientos IV is located approximately 35 miles northwest of McAllen, near Rio Grande City.

Vestas supplied 100 V110-2.0 MW turbines for Los Vientos IV and will service the project under a three-year operations and maintenance agreement.

Vestas’ sales and service division in the US and Canada president Chris Brown said: “With the turbines installed at Los Vientos IV, Vestas crossed a historic milestone — 75 gigawatts installed in 75 countries.

"We’re especially proud to have accomplished this on the Los Vientos IV project, a testament to our valued partnership with Duke Energy, a demonstrated renewable energy leader.” 

The facility was constructed by Wanzek Construction.

Amshore US Wind provided development support for the project.