ClipperDeveloped Silver Star Project Breaks Ground in Texas



Clipper Windpower today announced that groundbreaking activities have commenced on the 60 MW, Texas-based Silver Star Project, owned 15% by Clipper and 85% by BP.

    

The project will utilize 24 of Clipper's 2.5 MW Liberty Wind Turbines, which were recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for their "unparalleled levels of efficiency and reliability and reduced cost of energy." The largest wind turbines built in the U.S., the Liberty machines are manufactured in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at Clipper's 330,000 square foot ISO:9001:2000 Quality Certified Facility.

    

"We are very pleased to be partnering with BP, a world leader in renewable energy projects as we break ground on the first Liberty wind turbine installations in the great State of Texas," said James G.P. Dehlsen, chairman and CEO of Clipper Windpower. "Clipper's commitment to both the success of its wind turbine technology and development of wind generating facilities is well reflected in the Clipper group's long-term ownership interest in the Silver Star project. The Liberty wind turbines, with their scale and state-of-the-art drivetrain and unique permanent magnet generators, provide a powerful showcase for the potential of renewable energy's contribution to the grid, reducing dependence on carbon fuels, and eliminating harmful emissions."

    

Designed to address current industry gearbox and other component deficiencies and minimize unscheduled maintenance events, the Liberty wind turbine distributes torque loads four times more efficiently than conventional machines through its patented Quantum DriveTM Distributed Generation Powertrain. Proprietary permanent magnet generator technology delivers higher powertrain efficiency, and variable speed operation is achieved in a simpler and more efficient manner. The on-board hoist, with a 2-ton capacity, simplifies maintenance and significantly reduces maintenance costs. Turbine installation can be accomplished with a crane sized for most commercial 1.5 MW units.

    

Located in west central Texas in Eastland and Erath Counties, the Silver Star Project is sited on a high mesa and covers just over 54,000 acres. Once built, the Project's wind turbines, roads and substation will utilize only a small footprint, or less than one percent of the project's overall land area, enabling the majority of the property to continue to be used for ranching purposes.

    

"Wind power is domestic, cost-competitive and offers rural communities a fresh revenue stream without impact to traditional farming and grazing practices," said Bob Malone, chairman and president of BP America. "BP believes that sustainable energy alternatives and the development of the wind industry are in the best interests of the State of Texas - the leading State in installed wind power capacity."

    

In addition to providing a secondary income to local landowners, the Silver Star Project will provide rural economic development benefits to the area, including a substantial increase in the local tax base and the creation of high-paying jobs in construction, maintenance and operations. Project completion is expected in early 2008.

About BP Alternative Energy:

BP is one of the world's largest energy companies, with interests in more than 100 countries and over 96,000 employees. BP Alternative Energy, launched in November 2005, combines all of BP's interests in low and zero-carbon power generation: wind, solar, hydrogen power with carbon capture and storage and gas-fired power generation. BP Alternative Energy North America Inc. is one of the leading wind developers in the US and has portfolios in Europe, Asia & Latin America.

About Clipper Windpower:

Clipper Windpower,



ClipperDeveloped Silver Star Project Breaks Ground in Texas