Earth Protect Blog

By Jaydn Watson-Fisher

Greeley Tribune

Weld County soon will be the home of a 145-megawatt wind farm, adding to a significant investment.

Guzman Energy, an energy provider, and Leeward Renewable Energy, a developer, announced this week they are executing a power purchase agreement for the Panorama Wind Farm.

This is Leeward’s third project in the county, which brings its total investment to more than $850 million. Its work contributes to the state’s goal of 100% green energy production by 2040, according to a news release.

“Leeward is pleased to partner with Guzman and provide an important source of affordable, clean power to its customers in communities across Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming,” Leeward CEO Jason Allen said in a statement.

“In addition to helping Colorado meet its green energy goals, this agreement is a testament to the momentum of our ambitious growth plan and continued commitment to wind power.”

Weld County Director of Planning Services Tom Parko told the Greeley Tribune this month that his department was expecting the project to begin this summer. He noted that this project and various investments into solar power provide a positive example of the county being open to having diverse energy sources.

The Panorama farm, phase two of a larger project, is expected to generate enough electricity to power about 53,000 homes and provide about 185 jobs during the peak construction period. It also will provide a number of permanent jobs once the project is complete.

“Electric cooperatives, municipalities and tribes are clear that they want access to affordable, reliable and clean energy. The Panorama Wind Farm will be an important source of power for our current and future customers in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming who are seeking reliable power at reliable prices,” Guzman Energy CEO Chris Riley said in the release. “It makes strategic sense for Guzman Energy to be part of the Panorama Wind Farm as we continually leverage both owned and contracted energy sources to meet our customers’ needs.”

Construction will begin in July and is set for completion in December with an estimated 60 wind turbines. Leeward will own and operate the farm.