US energy company Evergy is to expand its wind energy portfolio by 660MW with the addition of supply deals from four projects in Kansas and Oklahoma.
The additions will bring the total amount of wind serving Evergy customers to 4535MW.
The new projects in Kansas are the 199MW Expedition Wind facility being developed by National Renewable Solutions in Marion County, AEP Renewables’s 128MW Flat Ridge 3 plant near Kingman and Apex Clean Energy’s 193MW Jayhawk development in Crawford and Bourbon Counties.
AEP Renewables said Flat Ridge 3 will include 62 turbines and is expected to be operational by the end of 2020.
The fourth deal is for 178MW of wind energy from an unnamed project being developed by a subsidiary of NextEra Resources, south of Liberal in Oklahoma.
Evergy said the energy from these wind farms will be used to support and expand its Direct Renewables Program, which allows Kansas companies to access clean wind power to become more sustainable and reduce the overall cost of energy.
The company plans to use the additional wind energy as an economic development tool to attract manufacturers and technology companies who are seeking cost-effective, sustainable and carbon-free energy.
Evergy president and chief executive Terry Bassham said: “With the abundant wind energy in Kansas, Evergy is a natural partner for businesses that want to use affordable renewable energy.
“Our innovative wind energy programs attract businesses and boost the local economy.
“Our ongoing transformation to cleaner energy sources reduces carbon emissions and provides our customers sustainable, affordable, reliable electricity.”
Evergy announced the additional wind deals are part of its commitment to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 2005 levels from its fleet of power plants by 2050.
By the end of 2020, Evergy will have reached an estimated 40% reduction in emissions.
AEP Renewables president Greg Hall said: “Our AEP Renewables business is focused on developing and operating renewable generation facilities to help meet the long-term, clean energy goals of utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities and other companies.
“Flat Ridge 3 will increase AEP Renewables’ contracted renewable generation portfolio to 1430MW, and when complete, will demonstrate a $2.03bn cumulative investment in our contracted renewables business.”