The construction of the 200MW Reading Wind facility has started in Osage and Lyon counties, in the US state of Kansas. The development was announced by independent renewable energy company Renewable Energy Systems (RES), which is the project developer.
It is being built for Southern Power, which will operate and maintain the facility on completion. It will have the capacity to generate nearly 760,000-megawatt hours of clean energy per annum.
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RES Wind Construction vice-president Rick Ortiz said: “This project will mark RES’ first project in our joint development agreement with Southern Power, which has been a tremendous partner in bringing renewable energy to communities across the country.
“We are excited to bring significant benefits to the local communities of Osage and Lyon counties.”
Reading Wind facility is expected to be completed by 2020. The project will be equipped with 62 wind turbines that will be supplied by Siemens Gamesa.
The energy generated by the wind facility will be sold to Royal Caribbean Cruises as part of a 12-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
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By GlobalDataOnce operational the Reading wind facility is expected to generate benefits to the local community, including the creation of nearly 125 full-time jobs during peak construction and up to eight permanent jobs.
Last October, Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, announced the acquisition of the wind project from RES.
The new Reading Wind facility will be Southern Power’s eleventh wind facility.
