UPC Power Solutions confirmed the successful completion of the repowering of all eight projects in its Stockyard Wind Portfolio. The last of the newly repowered turbines achieved full commercial operation this week, marking the culmination of an ambitious, multi-phase effort to restore, modernize and enhance 79 aging wind turbines on sites spread across the Texas panhandle.
UPC Power Solutions, a joint venture between PivotGen, UPC Solar & Wind and global renewables pioneer ACEN, acquired the Stockyard Wind Portfolio in 2023 when the sites were in desperate need of repair. Utilizing their proprietary approach, PivotGen engineers developed ways to refurbish and modernize the assets so they could continue to deliver economic value to the region.
“We bought these assets less than two years ago, and now, the projects are repowered and back online producing inexpensive, clean energy,” says PivotGen CEO Tim Rosenzweig. “That means continued royalties for landowners, good paying local jobs, and local tax revenue for the community.”
In a nod to their Texas cattle country location, Stockyard’s eight projects are named Filet, Tenderloin, Flat Iron, Brisket, Tri-Tip, T-Bone, Ribeye and Porterhouse. Combined, they will generate 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 for a life expectancy of 20 years. PivotGen’s customized repowering plan tailored to the unique needs of each site, has successfully modernized the entire portfolio, extending the life of the turbines by as many as 15 years or more. Breathing new life into those aging assets required knowledge of the legacy turbines combined with cutting-edge technology innovation and operational adaptability on the part of PivotGen engineers.
Rather than replacing entire turbines, PivotGen employed a strategic repowering process designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing costs. This included replacing heavy equipment, upgrading control systems, and implementing software enhancements to optimize performance. By focusing on key components and engineering turbine-specific solutions, PivotGen has restored and improved the operational capabilities of each machine.
“Repowering should be like maintaining an older car,” says PivotGen Senior Vice President of Engineering Bob Grimley. “You don’t replace the whole engine if it’s not broken — you target the parts that need upgrading to get the best performance, cost-saving, and longevity.”
The Stockyard projects produce enough power to supply the energy needs for approximately 34,000 average American homes. These repowered farms will also provide reliable, renewable energy to meet the growing demand in the U.S., driven by data centers, electric vehicles, and other expanding industries.
“Our approach isn’t just about replacing old equipment—it’s about designing a repowering strategy that fits the specific turbines, the local environment, and the long-term energy goals of the region,” adds Grimley.
Unlike larger firms that often take a one-size-fits-all approach to repowering, PivotGen tailors its strategy to the needs of the project — modernizing only what’s needed while preserving valuable infrastructure. What’s more, the company takes a long-term view of its place in the community, planning to own and operate the Stockyard Wind Portfolio into the future.
News item from PivotGen
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