LOS FRESNOS — Margaret Chistensen and and her husband, Carl, have six wind turbines on their ranch.
They saw the whole process from the testing of the wind to the installation of the larger-than-life energy generators.
But yesterday at the San Roman Wind Farm ribbon cutting, the Christensens and others were able to go inside one of the nearby wind turbines.
That’s where they had the opportunity to take a close look at some of the controls of the towering turbine.
They weren’t the only ones. The Chairman of Acciona, Jose Manuel Entrecanales, toured the turbine, too.
Entrecanales traveled all the way from Spain to dedicate the 31-turbine San Roman Wind Farm.
“It’s extraordinary how much I feel at home having only been here for less than a day,” Entracanales said. “I have some presence from the past which bring me fond memories.”
He said Acciona was founded by his grandfather in 1929 as an engineering and construction company.
Entrecanales and more than 100 guests celebrated bringing more renewable energy to the Valley.
The San Roman Wind Farm is expected to generate $30 million in tax revenue for local school districts and other public services and approximately $25 million in lease payments to local landowners over its operating life.
“Not only were these built in record time,” said Entrecanales. “They are possibly among the most efficient and most competitive in the world.”
Construction of the San Roman Wind Farm was completed in 11 months and generated more than 100,000 hours of work for local contractors.
Secretary of State Rolando Pablos also joined Acciona Energy to inaugurate the 93-megawatt San Roman Wind Farm yesterday.
“We are proud to welcome Acciona and the San Roman Wind Farm to Cameron County,” said Pablos. “As one of Texas’ top foreign direct investors, Spain is a close friend, ally and trade partner.”
San Roman will produce enough energy to power more than 30,000 homes in Southeast Texas.
Entrecanales said Acciona is now a part of the community, and he has seen wind power benefit communities worldwide.
“We are probably the world’s largest renewable energy developer,” Entrecanales said.
Acciona Energy is a global operator in renewable energies with over 20 years’ experience in the sector.
“Texas is one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world, and we are particularly proud to be a part of this wind energy success story,” Entrecanales said.
There’s more to it for Pablos.
“The most important thing about all of this today is the fact we have a relationship with Spain,” he said. “We need to make sure we continue in promoting our relationship with Spain.”
Texas has received hundreds of millions of dollars of investment from Spain over the years.
“I am confident that Acciona’s commitment to the local community will further strengthen the infrastructure of the region to support even more investment and job growth.”
