Wind-energy company at home in Broomfield

Headquarters move for RES-Americas has 70-job potential

Gargi Chakrabarty

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Res Americas

Wind turbines near Hopkins Ridge in Washington state are part of RES-Americas' portfolio of energy projects.

A Texas company that develops and builds wind energy projects has relocated its headquarters and the potential for 70 new 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 office over the next year.

It currently employs 160 people nationwide and in Canada.

The company said it decided to move because 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."

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 work force 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."

RES-Americas is developing one site in Colorado, the 300-megawatt Cedar Point Wind Project in Elbert and Lincoln counties.

Construction likely will begin in late 2008 or early 2009, depending on how soon permits or power sales agreements are in place. Once operational, which is expected in 2010, the project will produce enough renewable energy to power 81,000 homes.

Danish company Vestas recently opened its first U.S. wind-blade manufacturing plant in Windsor, which could employ 650. Colorado's biggest utility, Xcel Energy, is expected to seek wind power bids later this year.

Last month, a delegation of Spanish officials and executives of renewable energy companies visited Colorado.

Abengoa, based in Seville, Spain, has set up its U.S. headquarters in Lakewood, while competitor Iberdola, also of Spain, is evaluating the state's renewable-energy market.

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

"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 U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard of Colorado.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar said, "RES-America's arrival is yet another sign of confidence in Colorado's position as a national and global leader in the push towards a new, clean energy future."

Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc.

* New headquarters: Broomfield beginning Monday

* Old headquarters: Austin, Texas, (for nine years)

* Employees: 160; plans to hire 70 more in Broomfield over the next year

* What it does: Develops and builds wind- energy projects. Currently it is developing a 300-megawatt Cedar Point Wind Project in Elbert and Lincoln counties, which, once operational, will produce enough wind energy to power 81,000 homes.