Colorado Real Estate Journal - April 5, 2017
Mortenson, a leading renewable energy contractor, has been selected to build what will be the largest single-phase wind farm ever built in North America. The 600-megawatt Rush Creek Wind Project, owned and operated by Xcel Energy, will be home to 300 turbines and an 83-mile transmission line near Limon. “We are pleased to be selected to construct this significant project for Xcel Energy and the state of Colorado,” said Tim Maag, vice president and general manager at Mortenson’s Wind Energy Group. “This project is another great example of Xcel’s commitment to clean renewable energy.” Mortenson’s Wind Energy, High Voltage Transmission and Civil groups will deliver full engineering, procurement and construction for Rush Creek. Colorado-based turbine manufacturer Vestas will provide the wind turbines. The engineering design will be complete in April, with construction expected to begin in May and an in-service date of October 2018. The 600-MW Rush Creek Wind Project will be the single largest wind contract executed to date for Mortenson, as well as the largest for the state of Colorado. “Mortenson has a long and distinguished history with the construction of major projects in Colorado, from the Stapleton Redevelopment to Denver International Airport hotel and transit center, to the Alamosa Solar Project. In addition, it has extensive experience in the development of wind projects throughout the U.S.,” said Gerald Kelly, Xcel Energy project manager. “Mortenson also shares Xcel Energy’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment. We look forward to working with Mortenson on our Rush Creek Wind Farm effort.” The wind farm is estimated to contribute 350 jobs to the state during the peak of construction, and when complete will increase Colorado’s wind energy production by more than 20 percent and potentially generate $180 million in landowner lease payments and property tax revenue.