Leeward Energy

Leeward Renewable Energy Completes Repowering and Financing For Mendota Hills Wind Farm; New Technology and Equipment Enhance Performance, Increase Capacity

Dallas, TX – BUSINESS WIRE – April 17, 2019 — Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC (“Leeward”) today announced the company has successfully completed the full-scale repower of its Mendota Hills Wind Farm (“Mendota”) located in Lee County, Illinois.  Leeward achieved a financial close with a subsidiary of Citi, which provided tax equity financing for the project.

The full-scale repower of Mendota included the decommissioning of the existing wind turbine generators (“WTGs”) and the installation of new foundations and WTGs to maximize efficiency and extend the life span of the wind farm.  Mendota replaced the 63 legacy Gamesa WTGs with 29 SG 2.6-126 WTGs, increasing the capacity from approximately 50 MW to 76 MW.  With turbine technology improvements, Mendota will increase reliability, performance and reduce operational cost.

Leeward entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with Digital Reality and will provide approximately 276,000 MWhs of renewable wind power annually.  Through the construction phase of Mendota, Leeward generated approximately 250 jobs and will increase its contribution to Lee County in the form of property tax payments. 

“This was an ambitious project that is creating tremendous benefits and efficiency for our customers and Lee County,” said Greg Wolf, Leeward Renewable Energy CEO. “The Mendota project illustrates the innovation that Leeward is striving for in both our development initiatives as well as management of our existing assets to build and maximize our portfolio.”

In addition to working with Leeward on the repowering initiative, Siemens Gamesa provides operations and maintenance for the sites.

The repowering of Mendota was completed on March 21, 2019.

###

About Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC

Leeward Renewable Energy is a leading US-based independent power company. Leeward has a portfolio of 19 wind power facilities in nine states with a total owned interest of 1,720 GW that use proven, best-in-class technology. Additionally, Leeward has a development pipeline of over 1 GW wind, solar and energy storage projects that provide a solid foundation for the continued growth of the business. For more information about Leeward, visit www.leewardenergy.com. Leeward is owned by OMERS Infrastructure, the infrastructure arm of one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans.

For more information:

Kelly Kimberly

832.680.5120

kkimberly@sardverb.com

 

What Our People Say About Leeward

I like being on a team that is developing ideas and technology to diversify the way we use our planet’s energy and resources.

Carol K

Involvement in new projects, new challenges, and team work.

Bent K

The energy transition represents a rare and exciting moment to reimagine something fundamental to the way we live.

Robert K

Opportunities to make an impact and see the results of your work.

Ronald G

The focus on safety and making field work safer.

C.J. H

Coming from the military, camaraderie was important and there is plenty of that here.

Chase G

Leeward strives to meet the goals of renewable needs throughout the US and is continuously seeking opportunities to expand its portfolio.

Kory F

Leeward has a great group of people focused on getting the job done.

Greg F

I want to work for a company that will have a positive effect on the world.

Corey D

I choose to work in renewable energy because it is a growing industry and good for the environment.

Leena C

I am interested in making our planet a better and less polluted environment for ourselves and for future generations.

Lindy B

I want my work to have a positive impact on the world.

Joseph B

I love working at Leeward because everyday is a new opportunity to make a positive impact on the world.

Jason A

I enjoy working in Human Resources for a renewable energy company that is helping to sustain a better future for the next generation.

Chelsea L

To do my part in providing the next generation with environmentally friendly sustainable energy.

Sam M

I have the support from managers and leaders to develop and implement new ideas.

Brandi M

Leeward’s fast moving, entrepreneurial culture encourages creativity and problem solving in all areas of the organization.

Matthew M

It is exciting to be a part of an emerging industry that we have already seen changing the world.

Kelly P

An environment that creates the perfect work/life balance while maintaining excellent business ethics and professional growth for employees.

Alexandria P

I joined Leeward because it was committed to growing and the opportunity set for my career was large and well defined.

Massimo P

An opportunity to learn and grow professionally across legal, financial, engineering, construction, O&M, and other areas of expertise.

Paul P

Leeward has a tight knit strong team culture, allowing for access to everything needed for personal and professional growth.  

Kyle R

I wanted to be in a growing industry where the future holds a wide variety of opportunities and helps the environment.

Kazi R

I chose the renewable energy field because I’ve always wanted to be part of a shift from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Jonathan S

I decided the best way for me to make an impact on reducing the effects of climate change was for me to work in renewable energy.

Candace W

I chose the field of renewable energy 36 years ago due to my interest in cleaning up the environment, particularly the air quality.

Duane Y

I am passionate about the outdoors and the environment. And I love that I can tell my kids that Leeward is part of the solution.

Tedd M

Today, we announce the new look of Leeward Renewable Energy, reflecting our continuing efforts to build on our position as a leading, growth-oriented renewable energy company. Our experienced, dedicated team is committed to Renewing Energy with Purpose.