Wind Energy

Mott MacDonald celebrates for first wind farm in Honduras

Mott MacDonald’s role as lenders engineer for the US$290 million, 102 MW onshore wind farm in Honduras reached an important stage last month as the project, following financial close on 4 November 2010, achieved first drawdown which will now enable the project to proceed with construction. Cerro de Hula is the first wind farm to be built in Honduras.

Mesoamerica Energy, a subsidiary of Globeleq, is developing the wind farm to address power shortages and support the Honduran government’s plans to promote the use of renewable energy technologies. Cerro de Hula, which is to be built close to Tegucigalpa, will have 102 MW of installed wind energy capacity from 51 two megawatt Gamesa G87 wind turbines.

Mott MacDonald, in its role as lender’s engineer, carried out a comprehensive review of the wind power project including designs, energy yield, contractual arrangements, construction and operational methodology, environmental assessment as well as key technical inputs to the financial model. The aim was to identify key risks, assess mitigation options and provide guidance to the lender.

Christos Kolliatsas, Mott MacDonald’s project manager said, “We’re delighted to have achieved such a significant milestone on this prestigious wind power project for Honduras and Latin America as a whole.

Mott MacDonald is one of the world’s leading power consultants with over 100 years’ experience in the energy sector and has a wealth of expertise across the whole power spectrum. Successful financial close of this project provided further proof of our credentials and our integrated approach with these projects. We’re looking forward to continuing our involvement with the project during construction.” The wind power project is due for completion in early 2012.

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