Construction of Phase One of Arizona’s first commercial-scale wind project is complete and the first power began flowing from the Dry Lake Wind Power Project in Navajo County to Salt River Project customers in Phoenix on September 28, 2009. Turbines at Dry Lake are now producing enough electricity to power approximately 15,000 average residential homes.
Project partners recognized this major milestone with a
dedication ceremony at the project site north of Heber on October 12. Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Bob Abbey addressed more than 600 community members and officials at the event. BLM Arizona State Director Jim Kenna and dignitaries from Iberdrola Renewables, Salt River Project, Arizona State Land Department, Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation, Rocking Chair Ranch, Navajo County, and Department of Energy (DOE) participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Project partners were presented the
Carpe Ventem (Seize the Wind) Award by the DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Wind Powering America Program to recognize Arizona’s first commercial-scale wind project.
Completion of Phase One represents a new era of renewable energy development in Arizona; full development could result in a total of 239 turbines at Dry Lake. The Project is constructed on a mix of federal, state, and private lands, with 10 of the first 30 turbines located on the National System of Public Lands. The dedication began with tours to view the interior of a wind turbine, followed by a picnic lunch. Educational exhibits and youth activities were part of the day’s celebration that drew families from many surrounding communities. The event received extension national and international media coverage, including two Phoenix television stations.
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