Pattern Energy Group Inc. closed financing and started construction on the repowering of the Texas Gulf Wind project in Kenedy County, Texas.

The project will replace the existing wind mills with new 118 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA turbines and also includes replacing nacelles and towers, according to a Jan. 6 press release.

"Gulf Wind was our first wind power facility and technology has improved rapidly since it first began operating over a decade ago," Mike Garland, president and CEO of Pattern Energy. "By installing the latest technology turbines, we expect the repowered facility to have more efficient production, lower operating costs, renewed production tax credits (PTCs) and longer life which combine to increase the long-term value of our fleet."

Upon completion, the project will generate 271 MW of electricity. It holds a 20-year power contract with Austin Energy for the majority of its output. The remaining output will be sold at merchant power prices.