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Doing its part to improve energy efficiency and take advantage of opportunities in alternative energy, Valero has completed construction of a 10-megawatt wind farm near its McKee Refinery in the Texas Panhandle, with plans to expand to a 50-megawatt farm by 2010.

Upon completion, there will be 33 GE wind turbines operating just outside the refinery. The first six turbines, each approximately 250 feet tall, are complete and generating electricity. Construction of the first six turbines began in mid-October, and took approximately two months to complete. Sales to a local utility began last month.

Since the wind farm will replace electricity generated from fossil fuels, it will help reduce Valero’s carbon footprint – a primary objective of the project.

“Initiatives like our wind farm help to make us an industry leader in environmental stewardship,” said Kirk Saffell, vice president of health, safety and environmental for Valero. “This is also a fine example of the work being done by our Alternative Energy and Project Development Department headed by Jim Gillingham.”

The open land around the McKee refinery makes it ideal for construction of wind turbines, with strong prevailing winds capable of providing a steady supply of electricity. The Valero wind farm is just one of many recently constructed in the Texas Panhandle.

Valero used local contractors as much as possible, and once the wind farm is complete, the facility may employ the equivalent of three full-time area employees to operate and maintain the turbines. While most of the equipment was specialized and needed to be purchased from companies outside the region, local suppliers provided the balance of plant equipment and commodities. A local engineering firm provided electrical engineering design and support.

“Not only is it a great strategic investment for the company, but a real boost to the local economy,” said Tom Shetina, McKee Refinery general manager. “Employees at the refinery, along with local residents, are excited about this significant investment in the refinery and their community.”