BP Wind Energy and Sempra US Gas & Power have initiated commercial operations at the 470MW Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm in Kansas, US.
Developed as a 50:50 joint venture the facility was developed at an estimated cost $800m and is located on a 66,000acre site spread across the Harper, Barber, Kingman and Sumner Counties.
The farm employs 294 GE wind turbines with 1.6 MW capacity each and is estimated to produce enough energy to meet the needs of 140,000 average American homes.
BP Wind Energy president and CEO John Graham noted that the farm is a result of the pro-growth strategy adopted by the state of Kansas.
“The Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm is a testament to the success of this strategy and is helping the state to be a net exporter of energy,” said Graham.
Sempra US Gas & Power president and CEO Jeffrey W. Martin added “This is a world-class project and a great example of why strong state and local leadership is essential in both attracting investment and ensuring the optimal use of our clean natural resources.”
The farm will be operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of BP Wind Energy while Associated Electric Cooperative, Southwestern Electric Power Company and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation will procure the electricity produced at the facility under long-term power purchase agreements.