BP Wind Energy and Sempra US Gas & Power have announced plans to work together on the development of two wind farms in the US worth $1 billion.

The two developments, the Mehoopany wind farm in Pennsylvania and the Flat Ridge 2 wind farm in Kansas, have a combined output of 560 MW and are expected to begin commercial operations by the end of the year.

Construction began on the 141 MW Mehoopany wind farm last November and will house 88 of GE’s 1.6 MW turbines. Old Dominion Electric Cooperative and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative have signed contracts to purchase the power output.

Meanwhile, 262 of GE’s 1.6 MW turbines are to be installed at the 419 MW Flat Ridge 2 wind farm near Wichita. Its output is contracted to Associated Electric Cooperative and Southwestern Electric Power Company.

The two projects will create 750 jobs during the construction phase and BP will continue to operate both wind farms once completed.

“[The] announcement reinforces BP’s commitment to produce essential sources of energy and provide cost-competitive power to our customers,” says John Graham, president and CEO of BP Wind Energy.

Late last month, however, BP pulled out of the solar power industry saying that it couldn’t make a profit from the sector.

For further information:
www.bpalternativenergy.com
www.SempraUSGP.com

Related stories:
BP says goodbye to solar business (22-Dec 2011)
US gives go ahead to major renewables projects (22-Dec 2011)
US wind industry heading for ‘renaissance’ in 2011 (3-May 2011)