Sempra Generation, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, has become an equal partner with BP Wind Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of BP, in the development of the 200-megawatt (MW) Fowler Ridge II Wind Farm in Benton County, Ind.

The Fowler Ridge II Wind Farm joint venture currently is under construction on a 17,000-acre site about 90 miles northwest of Indianapolis and is expected to be operational in the first quarter 2010. The 200-MW facility will produce enough electricity for approximately 60,000 homes.

The project's entire power output already has been sold under four, long-term 50-MW contracts. Three contracts were signed with units of American Electric Power and, one, with Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana for terms of 20 years each. The project will use 133 wind turbines, each with the ability to generate 1.5 MW.

The Fowler Ridge II development is an expansion of Fowler Ridge I, a 400-MW wind farm that commenced operations in March 2009. Combined, the two projects will comprise the Midwest's largest wind farm, generating 600 MW, or enough clean energy to power about 180,000 homes.

"Fowler Ridge II will be our first operating wind-farm investment and expands our portfolio of renewable-energy assets," said Michael Allman, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. "This project will supply clean power to utilities in the region and strengthen Sempra Generation's position as a national leader in sustainable energy development."

Tags: BP PLC