Enel starts construction of new 300 MW wind project in US

Enel through its renewable energy subsidiary Enel Green Power North America, Inc. (“EGPNA”), has started construction of the Rock Creek wind farm, the first Enel farm to be built in the state of Missouri.

The facility is owned by EGPNA subsidiary Rock Creek Wind Project, LLC and is located in Atchison County, Missouri. Once fully operational, Rock Creek is expected to generate approximately 1,250 GWh annually – equivalent to the energy consumption needs of more than 100,000 U.S. households – while avoiding the emission of about 900,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.

The new wind farm will have a total installed capacity of 300 MW and is expected to enter into service by the end of 2017. Enel will be investing approximately 500 million US dollars in the construction of Rock Creek as part of the investment outlined in its current strategic plan. The project is being financed through the Enel Group’s own resources.

“The start of construction of yet another wind project in the U.S. further solidifies our strong investment and growth in the U.S. market,” said Rafael Gonzalez, Head of the North America Area for the Enel Group’s Global Renewable Energies Division, Enel Green Power. “Enel is thrilled to be contributing to Missouri’s growing wind economy and we look forward to building, owning and operating a wind project that will be a catalyst for creating jobs and delivering significant economic benefits to the local community.”

The facility’s power and renewable energy credits will be sold under two separate bundled, long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company (GMO).

Rock Creek is one of six Enel renewable energy projects currently under construction in the United States, together with the 108 MW Drift Sand wind farm in Oklahoma, the 400 MW Cimarron Bend wind project in Kansas, the 150 MW Aurora solar power project in Minnesota, the 150 MW Lindahl wind project in North Dakota and the 65 MW Chisholm View II wind project in Oklahoma.

EGPNA is now present in 23 US states and two Canadian provinces, operating a total installed capacity of over 2.5 GW, of which 2,090 MW comes from wind, 316 MW from hydro, 72 MW from geothermal and 29 MW from solar.