BNSF Logistics (BNSFL), Flower Mound, Texas, and Tri Global Energy (TGE), Dallas, Texas, will align resources, market knowledge and industry relationships to support BNSFL’s development of their West Texas Wind Energy Logistics Center (WTWLC). The joint marketing agreement is an innovative approach to manage capacity, optimize routing of turbine components and drive greater volumes through a major facility to reduce costs on a per unit basis.

“Aligning the infrastructure, resources and vision that BNSFL has for capacity and service to the wind energy industry with TGE—a preeminent developer in the dynamic West Texas region—will allow us to fast track development and ultimately deliver the improved economies that the industry covets,” says Jim Craig, chief marketing officer for BNSFL.

TGE’s investment and commitment to directing project activity through the WTWLC has enabled BNSFL to be more aggressive in development plans and timelines. A site has already been selected that is strategically situated in the heart of TGE’s proposed project plans, and development is already underway. The initial stage calls for development of 40 acres, though BNSFL holds the option on the entire 200-acre site. When fully developed, the site will be receiving, storing and loading out hundreds of turbine components each month, receiving components via both rail as well as truck.

“Having a freight and logistics powerhouse like BNSFL bringing their resources and expertise to boost TGE’s West Texas projects provides a critical element supporting our overall vision,” says John Billingsley, chief executive officer for TGE. “West Texas has emerged as the ‘bulls-eye’ for wind energy projects in North America, due to ideal wind speeds, geography and being at the nexus of the three U.S. power grids. And, Tri Global Energy has emerged as a major player in the West Texas wind energy arena.”

BNSF Logistics, LLC is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway company.