Xcel aims to develop four wind farms totaling 750 MW

Xcel Energy, an utility wind energy provider, is proposing to build four new wind farms in Minnesota and North Dakota (US).

The projects, totaling 750 MW, will provide enough energy to power nearly 400,000 homes. They are part of the company’s plan to move away from coal while delivering cost-effective energy to customers.

The wind projects to be developed are the following:

• Freeborn Wind Energy, a 200 MW project located in Freeborn County, Minnesota, developed by Invenergy
• Foxtail Wind, a 150 MW project located in Dickey County, North Dakota, developed by NextEra Energy Resources
• Blazing Star 1, a 200 MW project located in Lincoln County, Minnesota, developed by Geronimo Energy
• Blazing Star 2, a 200 MW project located in Lincoln County, Minnesota, developed by Geronimo Energy

If approved by regulators, Xcel Energy will begin building the wind farms upon completion of the permitting process, expected by mid-2017. The projects are expected to be in service by 2020, enabling the company to secure the 100 percent production tax credit and pass the savings on to customers.

The four wind farms proposed by Xcel are part of its US$2 billion investment in wind generation that would add 1,500MW with 8 – 10 new wind farms that require regulatory approval.

Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy–Minnesota, said:

“This is a big day for Xcel Energy and our customers as we take our wind leadership to a new level, while bringing value to our customers. We’re building an energy future with low-cost wind that delivers the renewable energy customers want at an affordable price.”

Blake Nixon, president of Geronimo Energy, said:

“We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Xcel Energy by developing the Blazing Star 1 and 2 projects for their ownership portfolio. Geronimo Energy’s community-focused wind development approach, combined with Xcel Energy’s deep experience in project construction and operation, will result in cost-competitive, clean wind energy for Xcel Energy customers.”

John DiDonato, vice president of wind development for NextEra Energy Resources, said:

“As world leaders in renewable energy development and operations, NextEra Energy Resources and Xcel Energy have worked together on numerous wind and solar projects over the past decade and we are pleased to partner once again on the Foxtail Wind Energy Center. The project will create good jobs and provide millions of dollars in landowner payments and tax benefits to North Dakota communities, while generating affordable, clean energy for generations to come.”