Avangrid has announced that its first renewable energy project in Oklahoma will be constructed in Pontotoc County, expanding the Iberdrola-owned developer’s presence in the US to 25 states.
The Pontotoc Wind project is a 147.5MW wind farm with 33 turbines, powering 40,000 homes.
Pedro Azagra, Avangrid chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to be developing our first renewable energy project in Oklahoma, that will deliver clean, renewable, wind power to the Pontotoc County community along with jobs and local investment.
“With Pontotoc Wind, we are helping to accelerate a clean energy transition in the state and across the US.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and will produce more than 200 jobs.
Avangrid expects the project will contribute to the surrounding area for more than 20 years, including local jobs to support wind farm operations and other community investment.
Additionally, Pontotoc Wind will contribute an estimated US$25m in property taxes over the life of the project, which benefits local schools and other services, the developer said.
Avangrid worked closely with the US Air Force for several years to carefully site the project in an area that protects the Air Force’s mission.
With more than 8.6GW of installed renewable capacity, Avangrid is the third-largest renewable energy operator in the US.
Once construction is complete on this project, Avangrid will have operations or assets across half the country.