National Grid subsidiary Geronimo Energy has started commercial operations at its 200MW Crocker wind farm in South Dakota.
The Clark County-located facility has virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in place with Walmart and Cargill for its output.
The project, which uses GE 2.7-116 turbines, was built by Wanzek Construction.
Geronimo Energy chief executive Blake Nixon said: “Crocker coming online represents the culmination of many years of collaboration with the community and has and will continue to bring economic development to rural South Dakota.
“Crocker is unique in that it is 100% contracted by corporate virtual power purchase agreements. Increasingly more corporations are making the choice to include renewable energy procurement in their sustainability goals – and Geronimo is proud to be playing a role in our industry’s continued growth and expansion into corporate power purchasing.”
Walmart energy vice president Mark Vanderhelm said: “Sourcing from wind energy projects – like the Crocker Wind Farm – brings Walmart closer to our goal to be supplied by 50% renewable energy by 2025.
“The energy we’ll procure from this facility represents a significant step in our renewable energy journey.”
Cargill sustainability director for operations and natural resources Peter Dahm added, “Not only will the wind farm play a vital role in helping us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we’re also proud of the positive impact it will have on the Clark county community and helping local landowners diversify their source of income.”