Southern Power has signed an agreement with Apex Clean Energy to acquire the 151MW Grant wind power plant in Oklahoma, US, for an undisclosed amount.
The project is being built in Grant County, Oklahoma, by IEA Renewable Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives (IEA), for Apex Clean Energy.
Subject to completion of project construction, the transaction is scheduled to be completed in March 2016, following which Apex Clean Energy will operate and maintain the facility.
Southern Company chairman, president and CEO Thomas Fanning said: "Southern Company is committed to the full portfolio and this project is an important step in further expanding our fuel mix.
"Our second wind project and one of Southern Power’s more than 20 renewable projects across America, the Grant Wind facility is a smart investment that expands our company’s presence in a region with exceptional wind resources."
The purchase is a part of Southern Power’s plan to boost its wholesale business by acquisition and construction of generating assets which are supported by long-term power purchase contracts.
Featuring 66 Siemens-built wind turbines, the project is designed to generate clean electricity to meet power requirement of approximately 50,000 average US homes.
Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, East Texas Electric Cooperative and Northeast Texas Electric Cooperative will purchase the electricity and associated renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the facility, under 20-year power purchase agreements.
Image: The 151MW Grant wind power plant in Oklahoma will feature 66 turbines. Photo: courtesy of Southern Company.