Ørsted completes Willow Creek Wind; takes final investment decision on Western Trail Wind

Ørsted has completed the construction of the Willow Creek Wind and takes the final investment decision on the Western Trail Wind farm project. 

Willow Creek Wind is a 103 MW project located in Butte County, South Dakota. As the second Ørsted project in SPP (Southwest Power Pool) territory, it further diversifies the operational portfolio into a market that will play an important part in Ørsted's growth in North America.

Willow Creek will generate new property tax revenue that can support local services and provide support to project landowners, who will receive long-term rental income by hosting the turbines.

BHE Renewables, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, provided tax equity for Willow Creek as part of a portfolio with the 230 MW Plum Creek project in Nebraska, which was commissioned in June 2020.

Ørsted's has also taken the final investment decision of its largest onshore wind project to date, Western Trail Wind. Located near its Lockett Wind project, the 367 MW project is expected to reach commercial operation in 2021.

With the completion of Willow Creek and the addition of Western Trail Wind, Ørsted’s onshore business now has 2.7 GW in operation and under construction, growth of 2GW over the past 2 years.