Uilk Wind Farm
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Category: Wind Power
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Location: Minnesota, USA
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Date started: 2009
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Status: In Operation
In 2009, Goldwind, then of the largest Chinese wind turbine manufacturers, was looking to break into the American wind market. Yet, with unproven technology and differences in business culture, it was difficult to do so. Sometimes we don’t start projects, but help others finish them when they get stuck.
Horizon took a risk, assisted in getting the project constructed with Goldwind’s technology, and returned the project back to its original developers, a win-win-win for all involved.
About
The Uilk Wind Farm is located in Pipestone Minnesota, USA and uses three Goldwind GW77 1.5MW turbines. The principle developers wanted to work with a Chinese turbine supplier which, at the time, had not yet deployed their technology in North America. It was a demonstration project for Goldwind. Horizon Legacy was approached to assist in bringing the project to completion after the principles encountered a number of challenges in construction and financing.
Challenges
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A top-tier Chinese turbine supplier wanting to enter the North American market with their technology;
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Project had higher construction, financing, and execution risk.
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Differences in culture, understanding of local business practices, and way of doing things
