Energy firms invest $1 billion to develop giant US wind farms

Sempra US Gas & Power and BP Wind Energy have announced that they will invest a combined $1 billion in the development of two wind farms in Pennsylvania and Kansas.

The Mehoopany Wind Farmin Pennsylvania and the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm in Kansas will have a combined total output of 560 megawatts (MW) becoming the largest ever built in their respective states. Both wind farms are fully-contracted under long-term agreements, and are expected to be in commercial operation by year-end 2012.

“Today’s announcement reinforces BP’s commitment to produce essential sources of energy and provide cost-competitive power to our customers,” said John Graham, President and CEO, BP Wind Energy.

“Our strategic relationship with Sempra U.S. Gas & Power also continues to grow as a result of our aligned thinking and professional approach to energy generation. As new members of the community where the Mehoopany and Flat Ridge 2 wind farms are to be built, we will strive to further enhance our proven track record in construction safety and on-going operational excellence.”

The Mehoopany Wind Farm will be situated in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania and is expected to generate up to 141 MW of energy. The Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm, to be located on a 66,000-acre site southwest of Wichita, Kansas, will generate 419 MW of renewable power. Just one megawatt of electricity capacity has the capability of generating power for up to 1,000 homes.

Sempra US Gas & Power and BP Wind Energy already hold joint-ownership for wind farms in both Colorado and Indiana.

 

Images: Climate Action Stock Photos