Enel Green starts construction of 298-MW wind project in Oklahoma

Enel S.p.A. through its subsidiary Enel Green Power North America, Inc., has started construction of the Thunder Ranch wind farm in the United States which, once completed, will have a total installed capacity of 298 MW.

The overall investment in the construction of Thunder Ranch amounts to approximately US$435 million, which is part of the investment outlined in Enel’s current strategic plan, and will be financed through the Enel Group’s own resources.

The wind facility, which is owned by EGPNA subsidiary Thunder Ranch Wind Project, LLC and located in Garfield, Kay and Noble Counties, Oklahoma, is expected to enter into service by the end of 2017.

Once fully operational, Thunder Ranch will be able to generate more than 1,100 GWh annually – equivalent to the energy consumption needs of more than 89,400 U.S. households – while avoiding the emission of about 790,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year. The wind farm will be supported by long-term agreements for the sale of power and renewable energy credits.

Enel currently ranks as the second largest wind energy operator in Oklahoma, where it recently started construction at its new 300 MW Red Dirt wind project. The company already operates the wind farms Rocky Ridge (150 MW), Chisholm View I & II (300 MW in total), Origin (150 MW), Osage Wind (150 MW), Little Elk (74 MW), Goodwell (200 MW) and Drift Sand (108 MW) for a total managed capacity of more than 1.1 GW and overall investment of nearly US$2 billion.