Wind energy company relocates to Broomfield

By Gargi Chakrabarty, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Originally published 09:41 a.m., March 26, 2008
Updated 09:41 a.m., March 26, 2008

A Texas company specializing in wind energy has re-located its headquarters and 70 jobs to Broomfield, bolstering Colorado's efforts to become a renewable energy hub.

Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc., which had been based in Austin, Texas, for nine years, began business at its new headquarters Monday. It plans to hire an additional 70 employees at the Broomfield headquarters over the next year.

It currently employs 160 people nationwide and in Canada.

The company said it decided to move because metro Denver's "business and political atmosphere ... is supportive of renewable efforts" and the area has "a high standard of living."

"RES-Americas is excited to call the Denver area home," said Craig Mataczynski, president of RES-Americas. "Colorado has demonstrated immense leadership in the development of renewable resources and alternative energy. We are proud to now join that effort.

"We look forward to a bright future and strong relationship between Broomfield and RES-Americas for years to come," he added.

Founded in 1997, RES-Americas builds wind energy projects and says it is involved in developing more than 12 percent of the installed wind power capacity in the nation.

Its relocation is an indication of Colorado's growing renewable energy market, both in terms of production and consumption.

"Colorado's robust renewable energy industry, skilled workforce, and rich natural resources have recently attracted several companies to Colorado, bringing good jobs and revenue to our urban and rural communities," said Gov. Bill Ritter. "They are helping us to be more energy, environmentally and economically secure."

Danish company Vestas recently opened its first U.S. wind-blade manufacturing plant in Windsor, anticipating a growing demand. Colorado's biggest utility Xcel Energy is expected to seek wind power bids later this year.

RES-Americas has regional offices in four states and Montreal, with project operations spanning six states and Canada.

RES-Americas is currently developing one site in Colorado, the 300-megawatt Cedar Point Wind Project located in Elbert and Lincoln counties. Once operational, the project will produce enough renewable energy to power 81,000 homes.

"As founder and co-chair of the Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I am proud that Colorado is leading the way in developing new energy technologies and becoming a hub of energy technology development," said Republican Sen. Wayne Allard of Colorado. "RES-Americas is a welcome addition to our state."