Great River Energy, a wholesale energy provider to 28 member distribution cooperatives across Minnesota, recently signed a purchase power agreement with an affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources LLC for a new 300-megawatt (MW) wind project to be built in south-central North Dakota.
Construction on the Emmons-Logan wind project is slated to begin in 2019 and to be completed by the end of that year. It will feature 133 General Electric wind turbines in Emmons and Logan counties that are capable of generating enough clean, renewable energy to power 120,000 homes. As a result of the project, these local communities will receive approximately $1.4 million in taxes each year.
"Great River Energy is dedicated to serving our members with a diverse supply of resources and a growing share of renewable energy," said Jon Brekke, vice president and chief market officer at Great River Energy. "The addition of the Emmons-Logan project significantly increases our renewable energy strength."
With the new project, Great River Energy's wind capacity will include more than 700 megawatts, which meets or exceeds the requirements of Minnesota's Renewable Energy Standard while providing more wind resources for its voluntary subscription programs, such as the Wellspring program for homes and businesses and Revolt program for electric vehicles.
"We are thrilled to be partnering again with Great River Energy to bring clean, renewable energy to their members at a low price," said John DiDonato, vice president of wind development for NextEra Energy Resources. "This project is in a part of North Dakota where we have a long history and deep relationships, and we are happy to be adding jobs and tax base to the local economy."
Great River Energy currently purchases 51 MW of clean power from NextEra Energy Resources' Ashtabula II Wind Energy Center located in eastern North Dakota as well as 100 MW from its Endeavor I Energy Center in northwest Iowa.
About Great River Energy
Great River Energy is a not-for-profit cooperative that provides wholesale electric service to 28 distribution cooperatives in Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. Those member cooperatives distribute electricity to approximately 665,000 member consumers. Great River Energy generates electricity from a variety of resources, including coal, natural gas and renewables. With $4 billion in assets, Great River Energy is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the United States.
