Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Co., has announced that its first wind project – the 299 MW Kay Wind facility, located in Kay County, Okla. – is now fully operational.
Apex Clean Energy developed and will operate and maintain the facility. Blattner Energy Inc. served as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
The Kay Wind project, comprising 130 Siemens turbines, is capable of generating enough electricity to help meet the energy needs of approximately 100,000 average U.S. homes, says Southern Co.
The electricity and associated renewable energy certificates (RECs) generated by the farm will be sold under 20-year power purchase agreements with Westar Energy Inc. in Kansas and Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) in Oklahoma. Westar Energy has contracted for approximately 199 MW; GRDA has contracted for approximately 100 MW. Both companies will have the option to either keep or sell the RECs.
Serving nearly 700,000 customers for more than a century, Westar Energy is Kansas' largest electric utility. GRDA is Oklahoma's state-owned electric utility, producing electricity that touches 75 of the 77 counties in the state.
‘The completion of Kay Wind – Southern Power's first wind project – marks an important milestone for our company,’ states Oscar C. Harper, president and CEO of Southern Power. ‘Renewables remain a central focus as we continue developing sustainable energy solutions through projects that align with Southern Power's conservative business model.’
Southern Power has also entered into an agreement to acquire the Grant Wind facility, a 150 MW project in Grant County, Okla., upon successful completion of construction, which is expected to be in 2016. The facility will comprise 66 Siemens turbines.
