Construction began today on the world's largest wind energy project, located in Mojave, California. The Alta Wind Energy Center, operated by Terra-Gen, will generate 1,550 megawatts of clean energy and create more than 3,000 jobs.

"All of us at Terra-Gen are proud of the immense contribution that the Alta Wind Energy Center project will make to America's clean energy economy," said Terra-Gen CEO Jim Pagano. "AWEC will create a record-breaking amount of domestic wind energy, securing America's energy independence while protecting our natural resources for future generations."

The project will increase California wind energy jobs by 20 percent, and can supply power to 1.1 million people, or 275,000 homes. The carbon dioxide emission reduction is equivalent to eliminating 446,000 cars from the road.

The project will include 600 wind power turbines. Vestas will produce the turbines in Colorado.