EDF Renewable Energy has closed structured equity financing from GE Energy Financial Services and MetLife for the 175MW Pilot Hill wind project in Illinois.
The wind farm was completed earlier this month and is located about 60 miles southwest of Chicago.
It will power all the energy needs of Microsoft Corp’s Chicago data center under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Pilot Hill comprises 91 GE 1.7MW 100 and 12 GE 1.85MW 87 wind turbines.
GE Energy Financial Services holds a portfolio of approximately 14GWs of wind power projects in operation or under construction.
It plans to continue to invest over $1bn a year in renewable energy projects worldwide.
EDF Renewable Energy vice president project finance Jim Peters said: “Pilot Hill serves as another example of EDF Renewable Energy’s strategy to develop renewable energy projects with first tier equipment suppliers and contractors, and then invite the investment from longstanding financial partners.
“EDF RE will manage the wind project and bring our expertise in operations and maintenance through EDF Renewable Services to optimize long-term investment profitability.”
GE Energy Financial Services managing director and head of renewable energy Kevin Walsh said: “Investing in Pilot Hill contributes to the growth of EDF Renewable Energy, an important worldwide GE customer, builds on strong commercial interest in the renewable energy sector, and helps Microsoft meet its environmental goals.”
Image: EDF
