US-based Geronimo Energy has inked two long-term wind energy purchase agreements, totaling 400MW with Xcel Energy, an electricity and natural gas firm.
Under the agreements, Geronimo will purchase wind energy generated at the Courtenay Wind Farm and Odell Wind Farm, located in North Dakota and Minnesota respectively.
The Courtenay Wind Farm and Odell Wind Farm, with an installed capacity of 200MW each, will generate clean electricity, enough to power around 120,000 homes in total.
During the construction phase, each project is expected to create 200 jobs, while creating 10 to 12 operations and maintenance jobs, after the completion of the projects.
Xcel Energy’s Northern States Power Minnesota president and CEO Dave Sparby said that the power purchase agreements with Geronimo will enable Xcel Energy to reduce energy costs for its customers, enhance fuel diversity in its portfolio and further reduce carbon emissions.
Geronimo Wind Energy president Blake Nixon said, "Geronimo is excited to once again work with Xcel Energy and to deliver an additional 400 megawatts of long-term, low cost renewable energy to Xcel Energy’s customers.
"These two projects will also bring strong economic benefits to the local residents and communities in which they are located."