Greentech Lead America: Renewable Energy Systems Americas (RES Americas),announced its subsidiary RES America Developments has signed a long-term agreement to sell 150 megawatts (MW) of wind energy to Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC).
RES Americas developed and will construct the 75-turbine project, which is scheduled to begin commercial operation by Dec. 31, 2014. AECC will be the sole recipient of the electricity generated.
The wind power will be sourced from the Origin Wind Energy project, which is located in Murray and Carter Counties in southeast Oklahoma.
“We are delighted to work with AECC,” said Tom Hiester, senior vice president of Development with RES Americas. “This purchase demonstrates AECC’s forward-looking approach to diversifying their portfolio, as well as their understanding of the economic benefits that long-term, low-priced wind energy contracts offer to their members.”
AECC will have 201 megawatts of wind energy in its generation assets with this addition, according to Duane Highley, president and chief executive officer of AECC, a Little Rock-based wholesale electricity supplier. It will provide the company with a hedge against fluctuating natural gas energy prices.
AECC’s agreement was made possible through the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO), which enables cooperatives nationwide to pool the ownership and benefits of renewable resources.
“NRCO is pleased that AECC has contracted for additional wind resources,” said Amadou Fall, CEO of NRCO. “NRCO members continue to diversify by including renewable generating capacity. They are doing so economically.”