Construction Started on Clearway’s 160 MW Rattlesnake Flat Wind Farm in Washington
Construction is on schedule with enhanced safety measures in effect
SAN FRANCISCO – Clearway Energy Group (“Clearway”) announced that it recently began construction on Rattlesnake Flat, its 160 megawatt wind farm in Adams County, Washington. Blattner Energy, Inc. will lead construction as the EPC contractor, representing the third wind project Blattner Energy has constructed for Clearway in the last three years. The project is on its planned construction schedule with additional safety measures in place to keep site staff safe amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Project construction will include a total of 57 turbines, supplied by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, as well as a project substation, transmission line, and an operations and maintenance building. The project is expected to reach commercial operations later this year and commence generation under a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Avista Corporation.
“Amid this global crisis, we’re proud that partners like Blattner share our commitment to safety and health and have enabled us to navigate the challenging circumstances in a way that prioritizes the well-being of our people and communities,” said Craig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway Energy Group. “As we deepen our roots in Washington and Adams County, we will continue seeking opportunities to offer any support to those hardest hit by this crisis.”
This week, Clearway also announced donations to area food banks providing relief amid the coronavirus outbreak, including to the Ritzville Food Pantry, the Washtucna Food Bank, the Ralston Grange Hall, and others.
“Blattner Energy is honored to continue to work with Clearway and provide a collaborative construction experience for them and the Adams County community,” said Scott Blattner, President of Blattner Energy. “This project builds upon Blattner’s leading experience in renewable energy construction and expertise of over 875 megawatts of wind energy in the state of Washington alone. Safety is a top priority at Blattner and we seek to never compromise it in all that we do, especially in today’s environment. We take pride in the safety, quality and stewardship put forth on each project and are pleased to do so again with Clearway.”
Rattlesnake Flat is expected to create up to 250 jobs during construction and invest millions of dollars in eastern Washington.
“Adams County has and remains an agricultural community, but in order to grow our economy, we need to diversify,” said County Commissioner John Marshall. “Adams County is excited to host its first wind farm and continue its support of the renewable energy industry. After years of research, planning, and cooperation, Clearway is poised and ready to build the newest wind energy farm in Washington State.”
Today there are more than 3 GW in installed wind capacity across Washington State. According to the American Wind Energy Association, the state’s wind industry contributes more than $22.5 million in annual state and local taxes and employs around 2,000 Washingtonians.
Clearway Energy Group announced in February that it completed debt financing on Rattlesnake, and its affiliate Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CWEN, CWEN-A) announced in May that it had reached an agreement to acquire Rattlesnake Flat when the project reaches commercial operations later this year.