PORTALES, N.M. (AP) - The first few turbines that will make up Xcel Energy’s Sagamore Wind Project in eastern New Mexico have been erected, the utility announced Thursday.
Company officials say construction crews have been able to stay on track and work safely over the past couple of months despite challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The pandemic has presented challenges, but we’ve worked together to adjust construction timelines to ensure components from around the globe will be delivered in time to meet our December in-service date,” said Brian Hudson, the project manager at the Sagamore construction site.
The $900 million wind farm will consist of 240 turbines and will be capable of generating enough electricity to power 194,000 homes annually. It will take about 30 full-time workers to maintain and operate the wind farm.
The wind farm also is expected to generate more than $131 million in state and local tax revenue over its 25-year lifespan, officials said.
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