Renewable energy developer Sempra US Gas & Power has commenced commercial operations at the 470MW Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm in collaboration with its joint venture partner BP Wind Energy.
The farm is located in on a 66,000-acre site that spans across the Harper, Barber, Kingman and Sumner Counties in Kansas, US and represents a combined investment of over $800m by the two companies in the 50:50 joint venture.
Flat Ridge 2 employs 294 GE wind turbines each with 1.6MW capacity and generates electricity enough to power about 140,000 average American homes.
Commenting on the developments Sempra US Gas & Power president and CEO Jeffrey W. Martin said that their partnership with BP Wind Energy enabled the company to accelerate its growth in the renewable energy space and that it was on course to create 1,400MW renewable energy portfolio.
BP Wind Energy president and CEO John Graham lauded the state of Kansas for the favorable investment environment provided to the companies.
"This pro-growth strategy is the kind of approach wind energy needs from state legislators and BP looks forward to further expanding its wind energy footprint in Kansas if and when the business opportunity becomes available," added Graham.
Power generated at the facility will be purchased by Associated Electric Cooperative, Southwestern Electric Power Company and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation as per the long-term power purchase agreements inked earlier.
One of BP Wind Energy’s fully owned subsidiaries will be the operator of the facility.