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BPA Goes Big for Wind Power
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA ) announced plans to purchase 1,000 megawatts (MWs) of wind power this month, marking the region's largest commitment to renewable energy to date. A testament to how far the resource has progressed toward mainstream power generation, this largest-ever single solicitation of wind power equals about 3% of BPA's average annual production. Proposals must be competitive on a "life-cycle" cost basis and must incorporate state-of-the-art measures to minimize impacts to the environment.
"We believe it is important to acquire a major portion of our new power supplies from this resource because of the benefits it offers in the form of low environmental impact, diversification of our resource base, and elimination of the risks of fuel price volatility," said BPA's John Taves .
The Request for Proposals (RFP ) requires a minimum of 40 to 60 MWs, or 15 average megawatts (aMWs), and targets experienced developers and "proven" turbines located in or near the BPA service territory. In order to bring new wind resources into operation as quickly as possible and to avoid lengthy permitting processes, the initial purchase from any single project is limited to less than 50 aMW, although sites that have potential for future expansion are strongly preferred.
The RFP requires detailed project development schedules, evidence of site control, site wind data, and projected hourly output. Bidders are required to make their own transmission arrangements, including paying for interconnection and system integration studies as well as all needed equipment and installations. All proposals must undergo a Power System Impact Study and a BPA financial risk analysis.
Proposals are due April 6. Projects are expected to be fully permitted and online by November 2003. For more information, call George Darr at (503) 230-4386, gddarr@bpa.gov .
Heather Rhoads-Weaver