EDP Renewables (EDPR) has completed construction and started commercial operations at the 200MW Harvest Ridge wind farm in the US state of Illinois.
The project, located in Douglas County, has long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) to provide electricity to Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA), Walmart and a private offtaker for 100MW, 50MW and 50MW, respectively.
Over the life of the project, Harvest Ridge will contribute up to $50m in taxes to support local public services such as schools, roads, fire districts, libraries.
The wind farm will also provide a stable form of income to local landowners who have leased land to EDPR to host the project infrastructure.
More than 250 people worked on the construction of the wind farm, and 10 full-time employees will continue to operate and maintain the turbines throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Harvest Ridge lead technician Mike Duffy said: “I’ve worked on four of EDPR’s wind farms in Illinois and have seen the benefits we bring to the communities who host our projects.
“Harvest Ridge will contribute more than $2m dollars in taxes each year to support local public services including the Villa Grove school district where my kid attends.
“These are real dollars that make a real impact, and I’m proud to be a part of bringing this clean energy opportunity to the area.”
WVPA executive vice president of risk and resource Lee Wilmes said: “The acquisition of this 100MW share of the Harvest Ridge wind farm allows Wabash Valley Power Alliance to further enable the production and development of renewable energy.
“For many of us in the industry, alternative energy is no longer an alternative.
“EDPR has been an important partner to WVPA and our membership in diversifying our power supply while creating opportunities for companies to purchase green power.”
Walmart vice president for energy Mark Vanderhelm said: “Walmart has a goal to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy and sourcing energy from wind farms developed by partners like EDP Renewables is a core component in the mix.
“Wind energy is an important part of our energy portfolio, and Walmart plans to continue our efforts to pursue renewable energy projects that are right for our customers, our business, and the environment.”