Basin Electric Adds More Wind Power

Basin Electric Power Cooperative will add 300 megawatts of renewable energy to its generation portfolio through power purchase agreements signed with developers of two wind projects in North Dakota. A turbine erected as part of NextEra Energy Resources' Wilton Wind Farm is located near an old homestead near Wilton, N.D. (Photo By: Curt Pearson/Basin EPC) "Wind purchase opportunities fit nicely into our existing generation portfolio," said Paul Sukut, CEO of Basin Electric Power, who announced the new agreements Dec. 31. The Bismarck-based generation and transmission cooperative has committed to purchasing the total output of two wind projects under development by private companies in western North Dakota. The purchase agreements and others previously announced, place Basin Electric Power on track to have 1,400 megawatts of renewable capacity on line by late 2016. "We have not discounted any options that will help keep our member rates low," said Sukut. Basin Electric Power supplies electricity to 137 member electric systems in nine states that collectively supply power to nearly 3 million meters. One of the agreements is with NextEra Energy Resources, a Juno Beach, Fla., company developing the Dickinson Wind Energy Center, near Richardton, N.D., about 76 miles west of Bismarck. Spread across 36,000 acres of farm and ranch land, the 87 turbines should be fully operational by late 2015. Since 2003, the G&T has signed a half-dozen power purchase agreements for wind projects developed by NextEra Energy Resources. Basin Electric also announced a contract with Lenexa, Kan.-based Tradewind Energy for the total output from 75 turbines planned for construction as part of the Lindahl Wind Project. Developers expect to complete construction of that project, on 20,000 acres near Tioga, N.D., by the end of 2016. Lindahl Wind is Tradewind Energy's first utility-scale project in the state. Both projects are expected to help meet Basin Electric's growing demand for power in the Williston Basin area where growth, spurred by oil and gas development, is expected to continue for at least 20 years. "Lindahl will meet the incredible demand in the region with low-cost energy for Basin Electric members," said Sanjay Bhasin, Tradewind's senior vice president for business development. "We are thrilled to make the project happen." "Get the latest news from ECT.coop and sign up for your personalized news alerts". The post Basin Electric Adds More Wind Power appeared first on Electric Co-op Today.