Utility tests wind turbine upgrade initiative

In accordance with its Energy Vision 2020 program, Rocky Mountain Power has initiated the testing phase of replacing wind turbine nacelles and blades at the Seven Mile Hill wind farm.

Officials said turbine upgrades would increase energy production of wind projects by 17 to 39 percent, extend the life of the projects by 10 years, and provide improved power quality and voltage support to increase the reliability of the transmission system.

Energy Vision 2020 entails a repowering plan to upgrade the utility’s existing wind fleet with larger blades, higher capacity generators, improved control systems and other new technology. Upgraded turbines will continue to use existing towers and foundations, and all upgrades will be completed within existing project footprints.

“The rehearsal will identify efficiencies in the repowering process which is scheduled to begin in 2019,” Rita Meyer, Rocky Mountain Power Wyoming vice president, said. “This includes identifying potential delivery, offloading, staging, and installation challenges that, once refined, will allow for smooth project implementation.”

The systemwide repowering is planned to be complete by the end of 2020. The Energy Vision 2020 project adds three new wind projects in Wyoming that will provide a total 1,150 MW of new wind energy capacity and add a new 140-mile high-voltage transmission line.