EDF inks power agreement for first phase of 500MW wind project in US

EDF Renewable Energy, power producer based in the US, has inked a membership interest purchase agreement with Lincoln Renewable Energy to purchase the first phase of the up to 500MW Hereford wind project in Texas.

The first phase of the project is estimated to have capacity of 200MW, with construction expected to commence later in 2013 in order to qualify it for the Production Tax Credit (PTC).

The Hereford wind project planned over 15,000 acres in Deaf Smith County will leverage the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) transmission lines connecting the wind generating capacity of the Texas Panhandle to high electricity demand areas in the state.

EDF Renewable Energy executive vice president Ryan Pfaff has commended the Public Utility Commission of Texas for formulating the CREZ transmission project to provide access-to-market for low-cost, clean renewable energy.

"The Production Tax Credit extension in early 2013, along with the CREZ transmission build-out, creates a compelling opportunity for EDF Renewable Energy to strengthen our presence in the wind-rich Texas Panhandle," added Pfaff.

Lincoln Renewable Energy CEO Declan Flanagan noted: "We are delighted to be working with a partner of the caliber of EDF Renewable Energy on the Hereford wind project, and look forward to the project quickly moving into construction."

EDF Renewable Energy is intending to expand the company’s installed wind capacity in the state to 972MW with projects including 161MW Spinning Spur, 150MW Bobcat Bluff and 161MW Spinning Spur II.