The project, which consists of 66 Siemens 2.3MW turbines, is located near Ely, in the middle of the state. Pattern has a 20-year power purchase agreement for the wind farm with NV Energy.
The construction and permitting of the project has been a difficult process. Earlier this year Pattern was forced to settle a lawsuit with environmental groups that sought to block Spring Valley.
Last year, a coalition of environmental and tribal groups, including the Centre for Biological Diversity and Western Watersheds Project, filed a lawsuit against the project over its potential environmental and cultural impacts.
Speaking about the completion of the project, interior secretary Ken Salazar said: "Advancing smart renewable energy development on our nation’s public lands is a key component to President Obama’s all-of-the-above energy strategy.
"Starting today, Nevada’s first wind energy project on public lands will begin powering the grid. This is a great milestone in the collaborative public-private partnership on clean energy that is creating jobs, generating power, strengthening our economy and making us more competitive globally."
Yesterday, the US government announced plans to create a fast-track permitting process for important renewable energy projects.
Pattern completes Nevada's first wind project
UNITED STATES: Pattern Energy has completed Nevada's first project, the 151MW Spring Valley wind farm.
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