Markets

Puerto Rico’s Santa Isabel Wind Farm Project Receives First New Turbines

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - April 27, 2012 - 11:24 am

Above: Governor Fortuño takes a look at the new turbines (Photo: OG)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The first wave of turbines marked for the new Pattern Energy wind farm in Santa Isabel have arrived at the Port of the Americas in Ponce.

Governor Luis Fortuño took a brief inspection Thursday of the new turbines, which will be part of a wind farm by Pattern Energy in Santa Isabel with a private investment of $215 million.

“Green energy has arrived in the south of our island,” Fortuño said, joined by Santa Isabel Mayor Enrique Questell and Ponce Mayor Mayita Melendez. “Here in the south, we are realizing our goal of developing a sustainable Puerto Rico, with clean energy to preserve our environment and create opportunity for future generations.”

The wind farm could generate up to 75 megawatts of clean energy.

The farm, which will have 44 turbines anchored 430 feet from their base to the peak of their blades.

It is expected to begin power production in October of this year.

“The arrival of components for the turbines puts Puerto Rico a step closer to much-needed energy diversification,” said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy.”

The new Siemens turbines will be put up in the coming months, pointing to what he called “a new era in the history of energy in Puerto Rico.”

It is the latest in a series of green energy projects on the island, according to Fortuño, from a solar photovoltaic energy park in Guyama (which will be the largest in the Caribbean) and Windmar in Guayanilla.

Pattern Energy has entered into a 20-year power purchase and operating agreement with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority for the project, which is known as Finca de Viento Santa Isabel.

“Our primary objective is to reduce oil dependence on the island and lower the cost of energy,” Fortuño said. “We want to assure a more economical, cleaner and safer future and quality of life for all Puerto Ricans.”

Popular Posts antigua long bay

25 Perfect Caribbean Beaches to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

There’s nothing like a Caribbean beach in summer. The crowds thin out, the winds relax, and the islands start breathing in a different way. The beaches you thought you knew feel new again— stretches of sand once packed with winter […]


The 15 Best Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago, From Hidden Eco-Retreats to Luxury Towers

trinidad and tobago hotels where to stay

From Port of Spain to Tobago’s quiet coasts, these are the places to check in now No two Caribbean islands are quite like Trinidad and Tobago—and no two hotels here feel the same. This is a destination of contrast: Carnival […]


Jamaica Just Got an Upgraded US Travel Advisory: “A Great Step Forward” 

seven mile beach white sand

Last year’s US Travel Advisory led to a slowdown in tourist arrivals to Jamaica. But in what’s hoped to be a major shift, the US State Department just upgraded Jamaica’s rating.  Jamaica’s travel advisory has improved from Level 3 to […]


Related Posts condado hotel number one in the best hotels in san juan puerto rico

Old San Juan to Condado: The 11 Best Hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is where history, style, and the sea converge in one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant cities—and one of its best places to stay. From the iconic pastel buildings of Old San Juan to the golden beaches of Condado and […]


6 Caribbean Islands Americans Can Visit Without a Passport

maho bay on the caribbean island of st john, passport free

You don’t need to leave the country to find turquoise water, white sand, and that unmistakable Caribbean breeze. For U.S. citizens, several Caribbean destinations offer a full island experience—with no passport required. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or […]


Beaches, Surf Breaks and Mofongo: Frontier Has a New Nonstop Flight to the West Coast of Puerto Rico 

beach in rincon, puerto rico

Crash boat beach. The lighthouse ruins. The golf in Isabela. The Rincon Surf School. The Wishing Well. The mofongo. The West Coast of Puerto Rico remains the island’s best-kept secret, a world away from the bustle of San Juan (and […]