The Dry Lake Wind Power Project in Navajo County is the first utility-scale wind farm in the U.S. state of Arizona. Starting in 2009, it was constructed in two phases having a total generating capacity of 128.1 megawatts (MW), and is selling the electricity to the Salt River Power District (SRP).
History
Around 2003, rancher Bill Elkins began working with developer John Gaglioti and Northern Arizona University scientists to erect measurement towers on his land to measure wind speeds. He studied the local power grid to determine the feasibility of connecting a wind farm. Navajo County and Iberdrola officials credit Gaglioti and Elkins with attracting the first wind farm to Arizona.
Project details
Phase 1 () consists of 30 Suzlon 2.1 MW wind turbines, for a total nameplate capacity of 63 MW. Iberdrola Renewables built the wind farm for $100 million. Based on wind measurements before construction began, Iberdrola estimated phase 1 would produce an average of 132,450 MWh annually. Depending on actual performance of phase 1, the company planned to install up to 209 more turbines in future construction phases.
Phase 2 () consists of 31 additional Suzlon turbines for a combined nameplate capacity of 65.1 MW. The location of phase 2 is about northwest of Snowflake and southeast of phase 1.
Electricity production
+Dry Lake Wind Project Electricity Generation (MW·h) Year Dry Lake 1(63 MW) Dry Lake 2(65.1 MW) Total Annual MW·h 2009 29,545* – 29,545 2010 118,777 16,139* 134,916 2011 124,401 124,330 248,731 2012 112,688 114,097 226,785 2013 107,393 110,934 218,327 2014 117,246 121,525 238,771 2015 104,882 107,261 212,143 2016 112,321 116,380 228,701 2017 123,484 127,022 250,506Average Annual Production (years 2011-2017) ---> 231,995Average Capacity Factor (years 2011–2017) ---> 20.7% (*) partial year of operation
Environmental effect
According to the USDOE, each 1000 MW of wind power capacity installed in Arizona will save of water per year and eliminate 2.0 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Phase 1 of Dry Lake Wind Power Project would then eliminate:
of carbon dioxide, and save:
of water annually.
See also
Wind power in Arizona
References
External links
Salt River Project – Dry Lake Wind Power Project Video: Dry Lake Wind Power Project