Horizon Wind Energy, a subsidiary of Energias de Portugal SA (EDP), has inaugurated the Prairie Star Wind Farm in southeastern Minnesota with 100.65 MW of installed generation power.
The project – the first to be launched since EDP acquired Horizon in July – includes 61 1.65 MW Vestas wind turbines in Clayton, Bennington, Marshall and Grand Meadow townships. Once it is fully operational in December, the wind farm will produce 362,000 MWh of clean energy and boost Horizon's net installed power capacity in the U.S. to 821 MW.
‘North America has one of the fastest growing wind energy markets in the world, and we are fully committed to expansion in this region,’ says Antonio Mexia, EDP's CEO. ‘EDP's long-standing track record of successful execution will ensure we achieve our ambitious goals.’
The generated electricity from the Prairie Star farm will be purchased by Great River Energy of Elk River, the second largest wholesale electric power supplier in Minnesota. The power from Prairie Star Wind Farm will help Great River Energy meet its commitment to derive 20% of its electric energy from renewable resources by 2020.
