Second phase of Biglow Canyon Wind Farm complete
65 turbines for second phase now operating
PGE reached another milestone in the development of the Biglow Canyon Wind Farm on Aug. 17; all 65 turbines of the project’s second phase began supplying power to the grid.
Phase 1 of Biglow Canyon was completed in 2007, with 76 turbines and an installed capacity of 125 megawatts of electricity. Each of the Phase 2 turbines is capable of generating up to 2.3 megawatts, bringing Biglow Canyon’s combined installed capacity to 275 megawatts. A third phase with another 76 turbines is slated for commercial operation in 2010, which will bring the wind farm to a combined installed capacity of 450 megawatts.
Given the variability of wind power, the fully completed plant is expected to produce an average of around 150 megawatts — enough to power about 125,000 homes.
Located near Wasco in Sherman County, Biglow Canyon is PGE’s newest renewable energy project. When fully completed in 2010, it is expected to be one of the largest wind power facilities in the Northwest.
In addition to providing carbon-free and emissions-free power and meeting Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard, the wind farm is also creating jobs, providing income for local businesses, generating tax revenues for local government and providing easement payments to landowners.