Clearway Energy’s 419MW Mesquite Star wind farm begins operations

US-based Clearway Energy (Clearway) has commenced operations at its 419MW Mesquite Star wind farm in Fisher County, Texas.

Mesquite Star has created more than 300 jobs during construction in addition to more than a dozen ongoing jobs. Its owners claim to have generated millions of dollars in local investments.

Equipped with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy wind turbines, the West Texas Mesquite Star project was built by Blattner Energy and received tax equity investment by BHE Renewables.

The clean energy generated by the wind power facility supply corporate and institutional customers, including Ecolab, Lowe’s, Intuit, and Brown University under long-term power purchase agreements.

Clearway started construction works for its Mesquite Star wind farm in May last year with financing from a Mizuho-led bank group comprising KeyBank, MUFG and Santander.

Clearway Energy Group CEO Craig Cornelius said: “We’re proud of the team that came together to bring this project to life.

“Successfully launching a project like this, at a time like this, demonstrates the durability of this industry even under the most difficult circumstances.

“Mesquite Star will provide clean, affordable wind power in the Lone Star State for decades to come while supporting our customers in meeting their sustainability and clean energy goals. We thank our customers, landowners, construction partner, and the many others involved in the success of this project.”

Ecolab senior vice-president and chief sustainability officer Emilio Tenuta said: “Projects like the Mesquite Star wind farm are a crucial part of creating a resilient future for all of us.

“Our virtual power purchase agreement with Clearway will cover 100% of our electricity use in the U.S. and also represents an important step in Ecolab’s journey to halve its carbon emissions by 2030.”

In December 2018, US-based water, hygiene and energy services provider Ecolab agreed to provide support for Clearway Energy Group’s US renewable energy projects, including  Mesquite Star wind farm.