Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy says it will build and operate a 200 MW wind energy project near Casper, Wyo. The Top of the World Windpower Project will be the company's ninth U.S. wind farm and its fourth in Wyoming.
Duke Energy plans to construct the project on approximately 17,000 acres of private and public land it holds under long-term lease in Converse County. The project is expected to reach commercial operation by the end of 2010.
PacifiCorp, which operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Wyoming, will purchase all of the electricity generated by the Top of the World project and the associated renewable energy certificates (RECs) as part of a 20-year power purchase agreement. PacifiCorp previously contracted to buy all of the output and RECs from Duke Energy's nearby 99 MW Campbell Hill Windpower Project, scheduled to come online later this year.
Duke Energy expects to start construction on the Top of the World project later this year or in early 2010, upon receipt of all necessary permits. Duke Energy will use at least 66 1.5 MW GE turbines. These units represent the balance of turbines Duke Energy arranged to purchase from GE in a procurement order announced in September 2008. Negotiations for the remainder of the wind turbine supply to be used at Top of the World project are under way.
SOURCE: Duke Energy
