08.11.2007

Crane topples at wind farm site

A crane overturned yesterday morning while erecting wind turbines on the Smoky Hills Wind Farm in Lincoln County, Kansas. The crane overturned while it was being moved between turbines, rigged with 97 metres of boom and jib.
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One of the already constructed wind turbines at Smoky Hills Wind Farm.

Glenn Melski, vice president and manager of operations for Enel North America, one of the companies that is managing the project said: “Thankfully, no one was hurt, and we’re trying to assess the situation and see how it affects the project. We are investigating what happened. It’s likely wind-related, but (the investigation) is very preliminary. This project is particularly important to us because when it's completed, it will be one of the biggest wind farms in the United States. "

"The first phase of the project covers 10,000 acres and stretches nearly 10 miles from east two west. A second phase will increase the area to 22,000 acres and 15 miles," said Rob Freeman, CEO of TradeWind Energy, Lenexa.
The first phase will generate about 100 megawatts annually, which is enough to power 30,000 to 35,000 homes. The second phase would add another 150 megawatts of capacity, but there is no timetable yet for development.

56 Vestas V80 1.8 mega-watt wind turbines will be used in phase one. Hub height is 80 metres plus an additional 39 metres to the tip of the blade.

Planned completion is December 2007 but in mid October there 10 turbines fully installed and a further 27 partially erected units.