Caithness Energy has commencemenced operations at its 845MW Shepherds Flat Wind farm in Oregon, US.

Southern California Edison will purchase the electricity purchased at the farm under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Commenting on the commencement of operations Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber said that the project was one of the largest on-shore wind farms in the world.

US Senator Ron Wynden added, "This project proves that we can create jobs and lift up the rural economy by generating clean, carbon-free, renewable energy while still allowing local ranchers to graze their herds on the surrounding land just as they have for generations."

Caithness Energy vice president of development Derrel Grant termed the project will help both the economy and environment of the region.

The company partnered with GE Energy Financial Services, Google, Tyr Energy, and Sumitomo Corporation of America over the course of the project development that is expected help displace 1.483 million metric tons of CO2 per annum.