bp upgrades technology at US wind farm

New turbines at Flat Ridge 1 wind farm in Kansas increase energy production

bp today announced a significant technology upgrade at its Flat Ridge 1 wind farm in Kansas, which generates more power, more efficiently and with greater reliability. The new Vestas turbines are expected to provide an estimated 20-25% gain in energy production across the Flat Ridge 1 wind farm.

The upgrade helps position bp wind energy at the forefront of new technology, while also increasing the proportion of investment bp makes into its non-oil and gas businesses. 

“This project is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to optimize and grow bp wind energy,” said Al Vickers, CEO of bp wind energy. “bp has been in renewables for more than 20 years and we believe it’s important to remain at the forefront of wind energy technology. This project supports that goal, as well as our broader ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner.”

Following a successful pilot with a new Vestas turbine, bp replaced 19 existing, decade-old units at the site. A turbine unit includes the hub, blades and housing for power generation equipment and transformers, called a nacelle, that sit atop wind towers.

 
“We’re pleased to partner with bp wind energy to upgrade the existing wind turbines with Vestas technology and multi-brand repowering solution,” said Chris Brown, president of Vestas’ sales and service division in the United States and Canada. “Through repowering this project, bp will harness newer technology to unlock more low-cost, efficient wind energy and profitability from their wind assets for the long-term.”

The existing fiberglass blades and related equipment are being recycled as part of the project keeping approximately 1.5 million pounds of fiberglass out of landfills. The fiberglass material is then used to manufacture products such as decking materials for home improvement.