Mortenson Construction was selected by San Francisco-based developer, NaturEner, for the construction of the Rim Rock Wind Project. Located on nearly 21,000 acres approximately 20 miles north of NaturEner's Glacier I and 2 Wind projects, previously constructed by Mortenson, Rim Rock will generate189-megawatts of wind power -- enough energy to power approximately 66,000 homes.
Mortenson is responsible for the design and construction of access roads, foundations, erection of 126 Acciona 1.5-megawatt turbines, overhead and underground electrical collection system, (2) 230kV substations, the generator tie line, and an O&M facility. Construction began late October, proceeding through the winter months and is expected to be complete in October, 2012.
Montana's wind attributes are unique to the industry. According to AWEA, the state is ranked third in the U.S. for potential wind generating capacity, with more than 944,000 megawatts available for production. This much wind energy could produce more than 210 times the state's current electricity needs. Along with Montana's vast wind resources, the siting for this project was selected because of the ease of access to the property and the business-friendly development atmosphere in this part of Montana. BD+C
Related Stories
| Dec 10, 2011
10 Great Solutions
The editors of Building Design+Construction present 10 “Great Solutions” that highlight innovative technology and products that can be used to address some of the many problems Building Teams face in their day-to-day work. Readers are encouraged to submit entries for Great Solutions; if we use yours, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Look for more Great Solutions in 2012 at: www.bdcnetwork.com/greatsolutions/2012.
| Dec 10, 2011
Energy performance starts at the building envelope
Rainscreen system installed at the west building expansion of the University of Arizona’s Meinel Optical Sciences Center in Tucson, with its folded glass wall and copper-paneled, breathable cladding over precast concrete.
| Dec 10, 2011
Turning Balconies Outside In
Operable glass balcony glazing systems provide solution to increase usable space in residential and commercial structures.
| Dec 10, 2011
BIM tools to make your project easier to manage
Two innovations—program manager Gafcon’s SharePoint360 project management platform and a new BIM “wall creator” add-on developed by ClarkDietrich Building Systems for use with the Revit BIM platform and construction consultant—show how fabricators and owner’s reps are stepping in to fill the gaps between construction and design that can typically be exposed by working with a 3D model.
| Dec 9, 2011
BEST AEC FIRM 2011: Chapman Construction/Design
Taking sustainable practices to heart.
| Dec 9, 2011
BEST AEC FIRMS 2011: EYP Architecture & Engineering
Expertise-Driven Design: At EYP Architecture & Engineering, growing the business goes hand in hand with growing the firm’s people.
