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WE Energies – Blue Sky Green Field Wind Generating Center

WE Energies - Wind Turbine Erection - Crane Lifts Blades onto Tower

This wind farm is powered by 88 Vestas 1.65 MW turbines and has a 145-MW capacity – enough power for 36,000 homes. Boldt was responsible for the construction of all foundations, erection of associated towers and installation of the wind turbines. This included the offloading of the two bottom tower sections of the turbines and nine components for each turbine. Each foundation consisted of approximately 365 yards of concrete completed in three separate pours. Ironworkers placed over 35 tons of rebar in each foundation, totaling 3,127 tons for the project. A temporary concrete batch plant was set up in a nearby rock quarry to support the 32,000-plus yards of concrete needed.

Boldt Technical Services provided design/build services for the 7,000 SF operations and maintenance building.

This project required two 440-ton Manitowoc 16,000 cranes for the critical lift of 114,000 pounds for the nacelles. To support the equipment offloading and erection, Boldt had a number of cranes onsite ranging from 45 tons to 350 tons. All 88 turbines were erected in 83 days through the winter months.

Client

We Energies

Location
Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin
Architect/Engineer

RMT

Boldt Role
  • General Contractor
  • Design-Build
  • Self-perform Construction
Project Type
New Construction
Project Size
145MW

MARKET
Renewable Energy

Project Highlights

  • This fast-track project delivery required up to two foundations and one wind turbine installation per day. An onsite laydown yard was created for turbine components, allowing Boldt to receive 10-12 turbines per week.
  • Winter conditions of ice, above average snow falls and below average temperatures made this a very challenging project. Warming trailers were brought in for the crews at the remote sites.
  • More than 107,000 work hours were used throughout the project with no lost time accidents.
  • The project finished one month ahead of schedule and within budget.