Xcel Energy is planning to take over the development of the 200-megawatt Courtenay Wind Farm near Jamestown, North Dakota.
The company previously inked a power-purchase agreement to buy power from the project from its original developer, Geronimo Energy. However, Geronimo Energy has decided not to develop the project. Xcel has filed an application with state regulators seeking approval to develop the project.
Regulators in Minnesota and North Dakota previously approved Xcel Energy’s plan to purchase power from the Courtenay project. The project will have 100 wind turbines constructed across 25,000 acres on property leased from more than 60 landowners.
“The Courtenay project is an important part of our aggressive plans to reduce carbon emissions and double our commitment to renewable energy resources in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Chris Clark, president of Northern States Power Co.-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company.
“We are glad for the opportunity to preserve the benefits of this project for our customers. The Courtenay Wind Farm has the added value of locating an important generation resource in North Dakota, an important part of our service territory.”
If approved by regulators in Minnesota and North Dakota, the wind farm is expected to start operating by the end of 2016. The Courtenay project is part of a 750-megawatt wind power addition, representing a 42% increase in Xcel Energy’s Upper Midwest wind portfolio.