Basin Electric signs contracts for wind energy generation

Basin Electric has signed two power purchase agreements associated with the development of two new wind power projects in North Dakota. The combined capacity is 300 megawatts (MW).

The developers are a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC Juno Beach, FL, and Tradewind Energy, Lenexa, KS. NextEra Energy Resources will be developing the Dickinson Wind Energy Center, a 150-MW wind farm near Richardton, ND, and Tradewind will be developing the Lindahl Wind Project, a 150-MW wind farm near Tioga, ND.

Paul Sukut, Basin Electric CEO and general manager, said these new wind resources will increase the renewable portion of Basin Electric’s generating portfolio, which includes waste heat, to more than 1,400 MW when combined with additional wind generation commitments made in 2013. “As we develop plans to meet our members’ energy needs, we have not discounted any options that will help keep our member rates low,” Sukut said. “These additional wind purchase opportunities fit nicely into our existing generation portfolio.”

The wind project near Richardton being developed by NextEra Energy Resources is expected to be complete by the end of 2015.

Mike O’Sullivan, senior vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources said, “We are pleased to expand our partnership with Basin Electric through our Dickinson Wind Energy Center to bring more renewable energy to Basin’s members.”

The wind project near Tioga, ND, being developed by Tradewind is expected to be complete by the end of 2016.

“We are tremendously excited to be in North Dakota where the wind energy industry is only beginning to capitalize on the region’s enormous potential,” said Sanjay Bhasin, Tradewind’s senior vice president for business development. “Lindahl will meet the incredible demand in the region with low-cost energy for Basin Electric members, and we are thrilled to make this project happen.”