Invenergy’s 250MW Blooming Grove Wind Energy Center, in Illinois, has commenced commercial operations.
Output from Blooming Grove, in McLean County, will supply electricity to Verizon and Saint-Gobain North America under separate virtual power purchase agreements (PPA).
Invenergy chief commercial officer Jim Shield said: “As a leading partner to corporate renewable energy purchasers, Invenergy is proud to celebrate this milestone with Verizon and Saint-Gobain, and commend their dedication to investing in clean energy and fostering resilient, sustainable communities.”
Verizon, through its 130MW PPA, is focused on its ongoing efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations (scope 1 and 2) by 2035.
Invenergy and Verizon also entered into three 15-year contracts for an aggregate of 525MW of capacity, the largest portion of Verizon’s latest renewable energy purchases.
The generation will come from three solar projects, all of which are expected to be operational by the end of 2023.
“Verizon is committed to supporting the transition to a greener grid by making substantial investments in renewable energy – including at Invenergy’s Blooming Grove facility,” said James Gowen, Verizon chief sustainability officer and vice president, supply chain operations.
“Through its second $1bn green bond announced last year, Verizon is intent on bringing new renewable energy to the grids that power our networks.”
Invenergy’s 120MW PPA with Saint-Gobain North America represents the largest renewable energy deal to date for Saint-Gobain and its first wind farm.
Milwaukee-based WEC Energy Group has invested in Blooming Grove at 90% ownership interest, and Invenergy retains a minority ownership position.
Invenergy Services will provide operations and maintenance, balance of plant, energy management and asset management services under a long-term agreement.