EDF Renewable Energy is to design and build the 150MW Merricourt wind farm in southeastern North Dakota for Otter Tail Power Company.
The two companies signed an agreement today whereby Otter Tail will acquire the project on completion by EDF, subject to conditions precedent.
The $250m project, which will be located on approximately 13,700 acres south of Edgeley in McIntosh and Dickey Counties, will consist of 75 Vestas V110 2MW turbines manufactured at the Danish company’s Colorado factories.
However, before construction can begin, Otter Tail and EDF will need approvals from state regulatory agencies. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator will also need to authorize interconnection to the transmission system.
The wind farm, which is expected to be operational in 2019, will create more than 150 construction jobs and 10 full-time positions.
Otter Tail Power Company president Tim Rogelstad said: “The wind energy addition is part of our company’s plan to meet our customers’ growing energy needs, replace expiring power purchase agreements, and prepare for the 2021 retirement of the aging 140MW coal-fired Hoot Lake Plant in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.”
Image: Vestas
