EDF Energies Nouvelles is announcing the acquisition of Spinning Spur 3, a 194 MW wind farm to be built in Texas (Panhandle)–its 6th project in the state. Since 2011, EDF Energies Nouvelles has considerably strengthened its positions in Texas and now boasts more than one gigawatt in capacity in service or due for construction by 2015.
Key figures – EDF Energies Nouvelles in Texas:
- 1,066 MW in wind energy capacity in service or under development;
- 755 MW under construction.
- 755 MW under construction.
Spinning Spur 3: EDF Energies Nouvelles’ sixth wind farm in Texas
Located in Oldham county in northern Texas, Spinning Spur 3 project was originally developed by Cielo Wind Power LP. The 194 MW project is due to be commissioned by year-end 2015.
The clean electricity generated from the Spinning Spur 3 Wind Project will be provided to two municipal utilities under 20-year Power Purchase Agreements.
The future Spinning Spur 3 wind farm will reap benefit of ERCOT’s (Electricity Reliability Council of Texas) new transmission lines planned to the link wind energy generation facilities in the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) to the state’s high electricity demand areas.
Texas accounts for over 40% of EDF Energies Nouvelles’ capacity installed or under construction in the United States
The State of Texas continues to lead the way in the development of renewable energies, offering both natural conditions favourable for the generation of wind energy and a supportive political and economic environment.
In the space of two years, EDF Energies Nouvelle has built a portfolio of one gigawatt of wind energy capacity in service or under construction in Texas:
- In December 2012, two wind farms (Spinning Spur 1 and Bobcat Bluff) with a total of 311 MW in capacity were commissioned.
- In 2013, Spinning Spur 3 is the 4th wind project, after Spinning Spur 2, Hereford and Longhorn, with a total of 755 MW in installed capacity, starting at the end of 2013 and that will benefit from the Production Tax Credit granted to installations of this type.
Tristan Grimbert, President & CEO of EDF Renewable Energy, the US subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, commented: “Acquisitions of projects under development, such as here in Texas, represent a key component of EDF Energies Nouvelles’ strategy of expansion strategy in the US market. Not only have they helped us to secure 755 MW in capacity and provided visibility on activity for the next two years, but they will also reap the benefit of synergies from the experience we have gained recently in Texas.”