US energy producer Constellation Energy Corp (NASDAQ:CEG) has allocated USD 350 million (EUR 325.2m) to bolster its renewables fleet, starting with a project to repower its 70-MW Criterion wind farm in Oakland, Maryland.
Constellation said on Thursday that its repowering efforts will enable 315 MW of its existing carbon-free wind fleet to generate greater output at the same wind conditions.
As for Criterion, the energy producer will seek to increase the output and extend the life of the facility for 20 years. The 28-turbine wind farm was commissioned in December 2010 and has a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Old Dominion Electric Cooperative.
The repowering project, which is expected to be completed before the end of 2023, is already underway with the installation of new, high-efficiency rotors, turbine blades and generators. The replaced equipment will be recycled.
Constellation currently operates 27 wind projects with a combined capacity of about 1,400 MW.
(USD 1 = EUR 0.929)