Independent power producer Terra-Gen has announced the commissioning of the Monte Cristo I wind farm in Hidalgo County, Texas. With an installed capacity of 238.5 megawatts (MW), the facility will generate over 850 gigawatt-hours annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 81,000 households. Two corporations have secured the site’s electricity output through long-term power purchase agreements.
A strategic location with local economic impact
This development marks Terra-Gen’s second wind project in Texas, following the Big Spring facility. The company’s total power generation capacity in the state now stands at 273 MW. Monte Cristo I is part of a growth strategy focused on high wind potential areas.
During the construction phase, approximately 280 jobs were created at peak activity. The works recorded over 490,000 hours without a lost-time incident, according to company data. The project also delivered upgrades to local infrastructure, including more than 11 miles of Texas Department of Transportation roads and 25 miles of county roads.
Financial returns for the region
Local authorities welcomed the project’s economic benefits. Monte Cristo I is expected to generate over $100mn during its operational life through property taxes, landowner payments, and local contributions. These financial flows will support public services and infrastructure development.
Terra-Gen, jointly owned by Masdar and Igneo Infrastructure Partners, is also planning a second phase for the Monte Cristo project, which has already received permitting. Development activities are ongoing, though no commissioning timeline has been announced.
