NPPD deal to energize wind farm


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today
The Nebraska Public Power District said that it would buy the electricity produced by wind generators planned near Bloomfield, Neb., opening the way for construction of the state's largest wind energy farm.

The Columbus, Neb.-based utility signed a 20-year agreement to purchase power from Midwest Wind Energy LLC of Chicago and its affiliate, Elkhorn Ridge Wind LLC, which would generate 80 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 25,000 Nebraska homes a year.

Financial terms of the agreement are confidential, NPPD said, but the pricing "compares favorably" with the cost of NPPD's owning and operating such a project or purchasing electricity on the open market.

The agreement makes Midwest Energy the first independent power producer to negotiate a purchase contract with NPPD. Midwest Energy said the project would cost $140 million to build and pay more than $5.7 million in property taxes to local governments over five years, plus $325,000 a year in lease payments to landowners.

Midwest said about $21 million of the project cost would be spent in Nebraska for material and services to construct the plant, creating more than 100 full-time jobs during the nine-month construction period and six permanent operating jobs.

NPPD said a groundbreaking would take place soon.

NPPD is negotiating with a second developer for a 40-megawatt wind-powered plant near the same location and with a third developer at an undisclosed location.

NPPD operates a wind farm near Ainsworth, Neb., that can generate 60 megawatts of electricity. By contrast, NPPD's Gerald Gentleman Station coal plant near Sutherland, Neb., has a capacity of 1,300 megawatts.

NPPD recently dismantled its wind farm near Springview and plans to replace those turbines.

In July of last year, NPPD invited proposals for wind projects up to 100 megawatts, receiving 10 proposals from seven developers and narrowing that list to three. Elkhorn Ridge is the first to reach a purchase agreement.

Related News

National Steel Car appealing decision in legal challenge of Ontario electricity fee it calls an unconstitutional tax

Ontario Global Adjustment Appeal spotlights Ontario's electricity fee, regulatory charge vs tax debate, FIT contracts,…
View more

Iran turning thermal power plants to combined cycle to save energy

Iran Combined-Cycle Power Plants drive energy efficiency, cut greenhouse gases, and expand megawatt capacity by…
View more

Big prizes awarded to European electricity prediction specialists

Electricity Grid Flow Prediction leverages big data, machine learning, and weather analytics to forecast power…
View more

Ontario Teachers Pension Plan agrees to acquire a 25% stake in SSEN Transmission

Ontario Teachers SSEN Transmission Investment advances UK renewable energy, with a 25% minority stake in…
View more

Will Israeli power supply competition bring cheaper electricity?

Israel Electricity Reform Competition opens the supply segment to private suppliers, challenges IEC price controls,…
View more

Egypt, China's Huawei discuss electricity network's transformation to smart grid

Egypt-Huawei Smart Grid advances Egypt's energy sector with digital transformation, grid modernization, and ICT solutions,…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.