"The construction contract with RMT and the Kansas Corporation Commission’s recent approval of our power purchase agreement with Westar Energy are meaningful steps in the realization of the Post Rock project, which is an important part of our 2011-2012 construction program. We are honored to be working with Westar to bring clean, renewable, and affordable wind energy to their customers in the near future," said Ciaran O’Brien, Wind Capital Group Chief Executive Officer.
RMT will provide engineering, procurement, and civil and electrical infrastructure construction to support the installation of the wind turbines at the site. The civil and electrical infrastructure includes roads, crane paths and pads, turbine foundations, an underground collector system, in-tower wiring, and the construction of two meteorological towers. RMT is also responsible for mechanical turbine completion, tower erection, and testing and inspections.
"RMT is a leader in the construction of wind energy projects, and we are very pleased to sign this agreement with them for our Post Rock facility," added O’Brien. "We have worked with RMT on several projects, and they have proven time and again their ability to adhere to the highest standards while completing construction safely, on time, and under budget."
"RMT has enjoyed a long association with Wind Capital Group, which includes five completed projects totaling 312 MW," said RMT Chief Commercial Officer David Kutcher. "It has been great to see Wind Capital Group successfully transition into an industry-leading owner-operator. Their management team drives a strong commitment to building quality assets that deliver in accordance with their projections, making Wind Capital Group successful in a very competitive PPA market."
The Post Rock project follows on the heels of Wind Capital Group’s 150 MW Lost Creek Wind Energy Facility, for which RMT also served as the construction contractor.
"RMT worked seamlessly with WCG, its turbine vendor, the offtaker, and local communities to construct Lost Creek two months ahead of schedule and under budget," said RMT Senior Project Manager Kenny Knecht. "We look forward to teaming with Wind Capital in constructing at Post Rock another quality facility."
When completed, Post Rock will be the seventh utility-scale wind energy facility Wind Capital Group has developed and the second project, after Lost Creek, which it will also own and operate.
Construction at the Post Rock Wind Energy Facility is scheduled to begin in 2011, with the project coming online in the second half of 2012. The project will provide enough electricity to power over 70,000 homes.
Formed in 2005, Wind Capital Group is an American company committed to harnessing a clean, renewable source of energy – creating jobs, generating economic opportunity and building a strong foundation for domestic energy independence. Wind Capital Group’s model is built on forming responsible partnerships with the communities in which we operate and providing long-term value for our investors.
Currently, Wind Capital Group is developing utility-scale wind farm projects across the U.S. and has offices in St. Louis, Missouri; Madison, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinois.
RMT creates energy and environmental solutions that balance our clients’ business and sustainability goals. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, the company has 600+ employees. RMT has provided construction, engineering, design, and development services for 3,800+ MW of renewable energy. RMT is a unit of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), an energy holding company.
