BP Wind Energy has signed wind turbine supply and maintenance agreements totaling over $750 million to further build out its wind portfolio in the US. A total of 350 wind turbine units will be delivered to BP projects that when in operation will have a combined power generation of 560 megawatts (MW).

Some 88 wind turbines will be delivered to BP’s Mehoopany Wind Farm located on a 9,000-acre site in Wyoming County, PA some 20 miles northwest of Scranton. When in full operation, the project will generate approximately 144 MW of energy. The remaining 262 units will be delivered to the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm located in south-central Kansas. The project will generate 419 megawatts of renewable power when in full operation. Both projects are expected to be on line by year-end 2012.

“As we continue to aggressively expand our US wind energy project portfolio, we are pleased to be working with our colleagues at GE, a company with whom we have a long-term strategic relationship that delivers proven wind turbine technology and competitive maintenance contracts,” said John Graham, president and CEO, BP Wind Energy. “To date, about 30 percent of our wind fleet is powered by GE wind turbines and we are delighted to once again be partnering with GE to deliver affordable, renewable electricity that enhances this nation’s energy security and independence.” “We continue to see strong demand for our advanced wind turbine technology because of its capability to meet the economic and environmental priorities of operators like BP Wind Energy,” said Victor Abate, vice president of renewables for GE Power & Water. “We have been supporting BP Wind Energy projects since 2008, and welcome the opportunity to participate in this latest series of projects, which will help to build additional momentum for wind power in the United States.”

Both the Mehoopany Wind Farm and the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm are 100 percent owned and will be operated by BP Wind Energy. Subject to all necessary permits to proceed, it is anticipated that initial site construction work will start on both projects in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Tags: BP PLC, GE Energy