Southern Company subsidiary aquires wind energy project in Texas

Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power has 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 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. 

As we reported in mid June, General Mills signed a virtual 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Renewable Energy Systems (RES) for the Cactus Flats wind project.

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.

Cactus Flats is located in a particularly favorable wind area in central Texas, which is the leading state in the U.S. for wind energy production with over 20,000 MW of installed capacity.General Mills worked with Altenex, an Edison Energy company, to ensure the project met its sustainability, performance and economic objectives.

Southern Power President and CEO Buzz Miller, said:

“With the energy landscape constantly changing, we remain focused on strategic opportunities that support our business objectives. 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.”