Southern Power surpasses 1,500 MW wind energy with Texas acquisition

As part of the company’s renewable growth strategy to build the future of energy, Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power today announced the acquisition of its fifth Texas wind project – the 148-megawatt (MW) Cactus Flats Wind Facility – from Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES).

“With the energy landscape constantly changing, we remain focused on strategic opportunities that support our business objectives,” said Southern Power President and CEO Buzz Miller. “The Cactus Flats Wind Facility is an important addition to our growing renewable portfolio and will provide value to our customers through clean, safe, reliable and affordable wholesale energy.”

With the addition of Cactus Flats, Southern Power owns nine wind facilities capable of producing more than 1,500 MW of wholesale energy. Southern Power’s wind facilities are part of the company’s 3,400-MW renewable fleet, which consists of 37 solar, wind and biomass facilities from California to Maine. In total, the Southern Company system has added or announced more than 6,500 MW of renewable generation since 2012.

Located in Concho County, the 148-MW project is expected to consist of 43 wind turbines manufactured by Vestas, which will jointly maintain and operate the facility with Southern Power upon completion, expected in the third quarter of 2018. RES, who developed the project, will also provide the balance of plant construction of the facility.

Once operational, the full capacity of the electricity and associated renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the facility will be sold under two separate power purchase agreements with General Mills and with General Motors. Both companies will have the option to keep or sell the RECs.

This project aligns with Southern Power’s overall business strategy of strengthening its wholesale business through acquiring and constructing generating assets that are substantially covered by long-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties.