BP and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power Move into Full Construction Of $800M Wind Farm in Kansas
Release date:
04 April 2012
HARPER, KS – BP Wind Energy and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power announced today that the Flat Ridge 2 wind farm has moved into full construction. Upon completion, it will be the largest wind project in the state of Kansas and a major investment in renewable energy for U.S. consumers.
The facility, located on a 66,000-acre site about 40 miles southwest of Wichita, represents a combined investment of more than $800 million and will have the capacity to produce 419 MW of electricity, enough to light more than 125,000 homes.
To mark the launch of construction, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and other state and local officials attended a ceremony in which they signed one of the massive wind blades that will be installed at the facility.
“The development of the Flat Ridge 2 wind farm is an important component to achieving energy independence and revitalizing rural Kansas,” Brownback said at the event. “We congratulate BP and Sempra U.S. Gas and Power for their innovative thinking and planning in moving this project into full construction.”
At peak construction, the Flat Ridge 2 project will create some 500 jobs. Roughly 30 permanent jobs will be created once the wind farm begins commercial operation, which is expected by the end of the year.
The companies also announced that the power from a 51 MW expansion project to be completed in 2012 has been sold under a separate long-term agreement with Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC), a Little Rock-based generation and transmission cooperative.
John Graham, president and CEO, BP Wind Energy said the project underscores the company’s commitment to domestic energy security and to the U.S. economy.
The facility, located on a 66,000-acre site about 40 miles southwest of Wichita, represents a combined investment of more than $800 million and will have the capacity to produce 419 MW of electricity, enough to light more than 125,000 homes.
To mark the launch of construction, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and other state and local officials attended a ceremony in which they signed one of the massive wind blades that will be installed at the facility.
“The development of the Flat Ridge 2 wind farm is an important component to achieving energy independence and revitalizing rural Kansas,” Brownback said at the event. “We congratulate BP and Sempra U.S. Gas and Power for their innovative thinking and planning in moving this project into full construction.”
At peak construction, the Flat Ridge 2 project will create some 500 jobs. Roughly 30 permanent jobs will be created once the wind farm begins commercial operation, which is expected by the end of the year.
The companies also announced that the power from a 51 MW expansion project to be completed in 2012 has been sold under a separate long-term agreement with Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC), a Little Rock-based generation and transmission cooperative.
John Graham, president and CEO, BP Wind Energy said the project underscores the company’s commitment to domestic energy security and to the U.S. economy.
“Wind is not only a growing part of BP’s energy portfolio, it is an increasingly important provider of low-carbon electricity and a vital contributor to U.S. energy supplies,” Graham said.
“Because of the state’s leadership and natural resources, Kansas is becoming a hub for domestic wind energy production, innovation and job creation,” said Jim Sahagian, vice president of renewables for Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. “We look forward to playing a role in the continued growth of this dynamic market as we continue expanding our solar and wind energy portfolio.”
Electricity produced at the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm has been sold under long-term power purchase agreements with Associated Electric Cooperative and Southwestern Electric Power Company, a unit of American Electric Power.
As previously announced, BP and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power are equal partners for 419 MW of the wind farm, and are finalizing joint venture agreements for the additional capacity.
BP will be the operator of the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm and expansion project when they become commercially operational.
AECC’s agreement was made possible through the efforts of the National Renewables Cooperative Organization, which enables cooperatives nationwide to pool the ownership and benefits of renewable resources. AECC is one of 24 members in 19 states.
Media Inquiries:
BP Press Office: 281 366 1236
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power: 877 855 7887
“Because of the state’s leadership and natural resources, Kansas is becoming a hub for domestic wind energy production, innovation and job creation,” said Jim Sahagian, vice president of renewables for Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. “We look forward to playing a role in the continued growth of this dynamic market as we continue expanding our solar and wind energy portfolio.”
Electricity produced at the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm has been sold under long-term power purchase agreements with Associated Electric Cooperative and Southwestern Electric Power Company, a unit of American Electric Power.
As previously announced, BP and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power are equal partners for 419 MW of the wind farm, and are finalizing joint venture agreements for the additional capacity.
BP will be the operator of the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm and expansion project when they become commercially operational.
AECC’s agreement was made possible through the efforts of the National Renewables Cooperative Organization, which enables cooperatives nationwide to pool the ownership and benefits of renewable resources. AECC is one of 24 members in 19 states.
Media Inquiries:
BP Press Office: 281 366 1236
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power: 877 855 7887
About BP
BP has invested more in the United States over the last five years than any other oil and gas company. With more than $50 billion in capital spending between 2007 and 2011, BP invests more in the U.S. than in any other country. The company is the nation’s second largest producer of oil and gas, a major oil refiner and a leader in alternative energy sources including wind power and biofuels. With 23,000 U.S. employees, BP supports nearly a quarter of a million domestic jobs through its business activities.
BP has invested more in the United States over the last five years than any other oil and gas company. With more than $50 billion in capital spending between 2007 and 2011, BP invests more in the U.S. than in any other country. The company is the nation’s second largest producer of oil and gas, a major oil refiner and a leader in alternative energy sources including wind power and biofuels. With 23,000 U.S. employees, BP supports nearly a quarter of a million domestic jobs through its business activities.
BP Wind Energy is a principal owner and operator of wind power facilities across the U.S., with interests in 13 wind farms. BP Wind Energy has a gross generating capacity of 1,955 MW – enough electricity to power over 586,000 average American homes.
About Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC is a leading developer of renewable energy and natural gas solutions. The company operates solar, wind and natural gas power plants that generate enough electricity for nearly 1 million homes, along with natural gas storage and pipelines, and distribution utilities. Sempra U.S. Gas & Power is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2011 revenues of $10 billion. The Sempra Energy companies’ nearly 17,500 employees serve about 31 million consumers worldwide.
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC is a leading developer of renewable energy and natural gas solutions. The company operates solar, wind and natural gas power plants that generate enough electricity for nearly 1 million homes, along with natural gas storage and pipelines, and distribution utilities. Sempra U.S. Gas & Power is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2011 revenues of $10 billion. The Sempra Energy companies’ nearly 17,500 employees serve about 31 million consumers worldwide.
Notes to Editors
Included in BP Wind Energy and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power’s joint venture portfolio:
Included in BP Wind Energy and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power’s joint venture portfolio:
- The 200 MW Fowler Ridge 2 Wind Farm in Benton County, Indiana located about 90 miles northwest of Indianapolis. The wind farm utilizes 133 GE sle turbines each with a rated capacity of 1.5 MW. The wind farm became operational in December 2009. BP is operator.
- The 250 MW Cedar Creek 2 Wind Farm in Weld County, Colorado located some 20 miles north of New Raymer. The wind farm utilizes 63 GE sle wind turbines, each with a rated capacity of 1.6 MW, and 60 Nordex wind turbines, each with a rated capacity of 2.5 MW. The wind farm became operational in July 2011. BP is operator.
- The 141 MW Mehoopany Wind Farm in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania located some 20 miles northeast of Scranton is in construction. The wind farm will utilize 88 GE sle turbines, each with a rated capacity of 1.6 MW and is expected to be in commercial operation by year-end 2012. BP will be the operator.
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