Stateline Wind Farm
| Industry | Wind energy |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Northwestern United States |
| Products | Electricity from wind power |
| Owner | Florida Power & Light (subsidiary of NextEra Energy) |
| Parent | NextEra Energy |
The Stateline Wind Farm is situated along Vansycle Ridge, straddling the border between Washington and Oregon. It harnesses consistent winds averaging 16 to 18 mph that flow through the Columbia Gorge. Comprising 454 turbines, this facility represents the largest wind energy installation in the Northwestern United States. Constructed with an investment of $300 million, the wind farm commenced operations in 2001.
This facility employs Vestas wind turbines, each rated at 660 kW, achieving a total peak capacity of 306.9 MW. Its annual energy production generally ranges between 30 and 35 percent of its maximum potential. Each turbine features electronic controls that adjust blade pitch and orientation to optimize performance within wind speeds from 7 to 56 mph, and they automatically cease operation during stronger winds exceeding this range to protect against hurricane-level conditions.
The turbines are organized into clusters varying from 5 to 37 units, positioned roughly 250 feet apart along the ridge crests. The towers reach a height of 166 feet, with blades extending 76 feet in length. Environmental evaluations have indicated negligible effects on local avian species, while underground cabling minimizes risks related to bird perching. The land surrounding the installation is predominantly utilized for dryland wheat cultivation and cattle grazing.
Located several miles northwest of the Vansycle Wind Project in Umatilla County, Oregon, both wind farms are owned and managed by Florida Power & Light, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy.
In November 2013, one turbine collapsed on the Washington portion of the site.
See also
External links
- Buildings and structures in Umatilla County, Oregon
- Buildings and structures in Walla Walla County, Washington
- Wind farms in Oregon
- Wind farms in Washington (state)
- Energy infrastructure completed in 2001
- Energy infrastructure completed in 2002
- Energy infrastructure completed in 2009
- 2001 establishments in Oregon
- 2001 establishments in Washington (state)
- NextEra Energy