Clearway Energy Group has commenced work on the $269 million repowering of the Cedro Hill wind farm located in Webb County, South Texas, following successful financing closure for the project.
The renewables developer announced on Monday that it secured $261 million in financing through construction, term loan, and letter of credit facilities from a consortium of banks including DNB Markets Inc, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, New York Branch (CIBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB), and Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, New York branch (DZ).
The repowering initiative at Cedro Hill, currently generating 150 MW from 100 turbines, will involve replacing blades and nacelles with General Electric (GE) equipment across the entire site. Wanzek Construction Inc is overseeing the project, including recycling components. The upgrades are expected to increase the wind park’s total capacity to 160 MW and extend its operational lifespan by 15 years.
Originally commissioned in 2010, Cedro Hill has been supplying all of its power to municipal electric and gas utility CPS Energy under a long-term contract, which has been extended as part of the repowering effort. Upon completion, the enhanced wind park is projected to generate sufficient electricity to meet the needs of nearly 40,000 homes during peak demand.
This marks Clearway Energy Group’s fifth wind farm repowering in Texas and sixth across its broader portfolio, encompassing over 700 MW in upgrades.
