SAN FRANCISCO, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern) today announced it has begun construction on the Spring Valley Wind project. The project is located on public lands in northern Spring Valley, approximately 30 miles east of Ely, Nevada, and will be the state's first wind energy project.

The 150 megawatt (MW) Spring Valley Wind project will take approximately one year to build and will create approximately 225 jobs during construction, with a preference given to qualified local workers and contractors. The wind project will also create up to 13 full-time permanent positions once operational and generate new business and tax revenue for the state and White Pine County community.

"I'm pleased that construction has begun on Nevada's first utility-scale wind farm, creating jobs that help diversify our economy," said Senator Harry Reid. "Wind is an abundant natural resource that Nevada can harness on our path to become energy independent. Projects like this will convert our vast renewable energy potential into new economic opportunity and make Nevada a global leader in clean energy."

"Pattern is honored to be constructing Nevada's first wind project, which will provide groundbreaking mitigation measures to minimize impacts on the environment, including preservation of cultural resources, funding for sage grouse, curtailment standards, modified electrical lines to reduce risks to birds, and an advanced radar system for monitoring birds and bats that will allow us to turn off the turbines when species are identified in the area," said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy.

"Many people in Nevada, particularly Senator Reid, have been at the forefront of encouraging renewable energy in the United States and in the state of Nevada, and we are proud to be the first company to bring wind power to the Senator's home state," added Garland. "We also appreciate the collaborative efforts of all those involved in the environmental review and permit process, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, NV Energy, the local tribes and the Sierra Club."

Pattern has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with NV Energy for the sale of energy produced by Spring Valley Wind, which will equal the power needs of approximately 45,000 local homes.  Pattern's Spring Valley Wind project is expected to generate more than $20 million in tax revenue for White Pine County and the state of Nevada's Renewable Energy Fund over the next 20 years. Pattern has selected Mortenson Construction to manage construction of the project, which will use 66 Siemens 2.3 MW wind turbines and utilize an existing 230 kilovolt transmission line for electricity distribution.

Spring Valley Wind will be Pattern Energy's fourth operating wind project in North America and is one of seven projects that Pattern expects to bring into construction over the next 12 months, consisting of more than 1,300 MW of new installed capacity. Pattern Energy currently operates 520 MW of wind power projects in North America.

ABOUT PATTERN ENERGY GROUP LP

Pattern Energy Group LP is an independent, fully integrated energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates renewable energy and transmission assets in the United States, Canada and Latin America.  With a long history in wind energy, Pattern's highly-experienced team of scientists, engineers, construction experts, and legal and financial professionals has developed, financed and placed into operation more than 2,500 MW of wind power projects.  Pattern's development pipeline exceeds 4,000 MW of renewable energy projects and includes multiple transmission projects.  Pattern currently has 520 MW of wind energy in operation in the U.S. and in southern Manitoba, Canada.  With offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Houston, New York, and Toronto, Pattern is strongly committed to promoting environmental stewardship and is dedicated to working closely with landowners and communities to develop and operate premier renewable energy projects.  For more information, please visit www.patternenergy.com.

Contact:

Matt Dallas
Pattern Energy
917-363-1333
matt.dallas@patternenergy.com

SOURCE Pattern Energy Group LP