UPC Energy Options announced the successful conclusion of the repowering of all eight projects in its Stockyard Wind Portfolio. The last of the newly enhanced generators commenced full operational capacity this week, signifying the culmination of a bold, multi-phase initiative to rejuvenate, modernize, and augment 79 aging wind turbines situated across the Texas panhandle.
UPC Energy Options, a partnership involving PivotGen, UPC Solar & Wind, and global renewables frontrunner ACEN, acquired the Stockyard Wind Portfolio in 2023 when the sites were in urgent need of refurbishment. Utilizing their proprietary approach, PivotGen engineers devised strategies to renovate and modernize the assets to ensure they continued to deliver economic benefits to the region.
“We acquired these assets fewer than two years ago, and now, the projects are repowered and back online producing affordable, clean energy,” remarks PivotGen CEO Tim Rosenzweig. “This translates to ongoing royalties for landowners, well-paying local jobs, and community tax revenue.”
In homage to their Texas cattle country location, Stockyard’s eight projects are dubbed Filet, Tenderloin, Flat Iron, Brisket, Tri-Tip, T-Bone, Ribeye, and Porterhouse. Collectively, they will produce 128.5 MW of clean, renewable energy for local communities in Handford, Moore, and Sherman counties.
Developed between 2006 and 2009, Stockyard’s original turbines were designed with a lifespan of 20 years. PivotGen’s customized repowering strategy, tailored to the unique requirements of each site, has effectively modernized the entire portfolio, prolonging the lifespan of the turbines by as much as 15 years or more. Revitalizing these aging assets demanded a combination of knowledge of the legacy turbines along with cutting-edge technological innovations and operational flexibility from PivotGen engineers.
Instead of replacing entire turbines, PivotGen adopted a strategic repowering process aimed at maximizing efficiency while minimizing expenses. This involved replacing heavy equipment, upgrading control systems, and implementing software enhancements to optimize performance. By focusing on critical components and designing turbine-specific solutions, PivotGen has restored and enhanced the operational capabilities of each unit.
“Repowering should be like maintaining an older vehicle,” explains PivotGen Senior Vice President of Engineering Bob Grimley. “You don’t replace the entire engine if it’s functioning — you focus on the parts that require upgrading to achieve the best efficiency, cost savings, and longevity.”
The Stockyard projects generate enough electricity to meet the energy requirements for approximately 34,000 average American homes. These repowered farms will also provide reliable, renewable energy to satisfy the increasing demand in the U.S., driven by data centers, electric vehicles, and other expanding industries.
“Our approach isn’t solely about replacing outdated equipment—it’s about crafting a repowering strategy that aligns with the specific turbines, the local environment, and the long-term energy goals of the region,” adds Grimley.
Unlike larger corporations that often adopt a one-size-fits-all method to repowering, PivotGen customizes its strategy to the project’s needs — modernizing only what is necessary while preserving valuable infrastructure. Additionally, the company takes a long-term perspective on its role in the community, planning to own and operate the Stockyard Wind Portfolio well into the future.
News item from PivotGen
Filed Under: News, Repowering
