Power generated at Peñascal, in Kenedy County, will be delivered to customers of CPS Energy of San Antonio and the South Texas Energy Co-operative, which have 15-year agreements to purchase the wind farm's output.

"CPS Energy is committed to reaching its goal of meeting 20% of its peak demand with renewable energy by 2020, and that is only possible with great partnerships with companies like Iberdrola,’’ says Richard Peña, vice-president of fossil-fuel generation for CPS Energy.

“The coastal wind that powers the Peñascal project is especially valuable. It blows during the late afternoon, when electricity is needed most for air-conditioning during the hottest hours of the day,” says Barry Smitherman, chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission.

He says the 202-megawatt wind farm will help reduce wholesale electricity price spikes in south Texas and reinforces the state's position as the wind-energy capital of North America.

Iberdrola officials describe the project as a model of responsible development, with protections for migratory birds. Before construction began, the company commissioned wildlife biologists who spent more than 4,000 hours in the field over three years, studying the site and avian patterns.

"Now we have acquired a state-of-the art Merlin avian radar unit to detect major bird-migration activity,’’ says Martin Mugica, executive vice-president of Iberdrola. `"When high numbers of birds are present near the turbines under low-visibility conditions, turbines will be shut down until those conditions pass.’’

Information gleaned from the studies showed that by careful turbine placement and with the use of the avian radar system, Peñascal will have minimal impact on the environment and wildlife, he adds.

The Misubishi turbines are on land owned by The John G Kenedy, Jr Charitable Trust. Most land in Texas is privately owned.