EDF Renewable Energy acquires wind project in Texas

EDF Renewable Energy has announced the acquisition of the up to 200 MW Salt Fork Wind project in Texas from Cielo Wind Power LP.

Salt Fork is located in the Texas Panhandle on approximately 16,700 acres in Donley and Gray Counties, Texas. The project is expected to achieve commercial operation by the end of 2016, utilizing Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT’s) Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) transmission infrastructure.

The clean electricity and renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by 150 MW of the Salt Fork Wind Project will be provided to Garland Power & Light under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). This agreement follows the PPA the municipal utility signed in early 2014 for a portion of the electricity generated by EDF RE’s Spinning Spur 3 Wind Project.

Ryan Pfaff, Executive Vice President at EDF Renewable Energy, commented:

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with Garland Power & Light to include the Salt Fork Wind Project, building upon the Spinning Spur 3 Wind Project, which is presently under construction and expected to be completed later this year. The diligent collaboration between Cielo and EDF Renewable Energy demonstrates the value of long-term relationships; Salt Fork represents the third wind project we have successfully acquired from Cielo in late-stage development.”

Jeff Janke, General Manager of Garland Power & Light, stated:

“Our investment in wind helps to diversify GP&L’s energy portfolio while mitigating risk of volatile fuel prices. With this agreement, we will add another clean resource to the power supply mix that will benefit our customers for years to come. We are pleased to once again do business with EDF Renewable Energy.”

Walt Hornaday, President of Cielo Wind Power, added:

"City of Garland electric customers are putting to work the winds of the Texas panhandle to lock in long-term low rates through this project. And thanks to the partnership of local county and school officials, over 100 construction jobs will be created as a result of Salt Fork.”

Since first entering the Texas market in late 2011, EDF Renewable Energy has commissioned 872 MW of wind energy capacity. The Salt Fork acquisition increases the Texas portfolio to 1.2 GW operating, under construction or in development.