Electrical Wind Generation for Cement Manufacturing, a Case Study: Calportland Mojave Plant´s 24 MW Wind Project

The application of electrical wind generation for cement manufacturing is analyzed by reviewing the wind project at CalPortland´s Mojave Plant. This onsite behind-the-meter project represents the largest such renewable wind project serving a manufacturing facility in the world to date. Completed in 2007, the project is generating 60,000,000 kWh/yr of renewable wind energy. This paper presents general background information on wind generation and factors leading to the genesis of the case study project. The case study reviews project scope; the technical, physical, and regulatory challenges; technical innovations; business model innovation; and the positive impacts of the project. Finally, it provides a primer for those considering similar onsite renewable energy projects.