The project will sell its output to Microsoft Corporation, under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
Located 60 miles southwest of Chicago, Illinois, in Kankakee and Iroquois counties, the Pilot Hill wind project comprises wind turbines provided by General Electric (GE) and Vestas.
The wind project, which is due to commence construction shortly and start commercial operation during the first quarter of 2015, is situated on the same electric grid that powers Microsoft’s Chicago area datacenter.
EDF Renewable Energy executive vice president Ryan Pfaff said EDF Renewable Energy has closed first transaction with Orion Energy Group and Vision Energy.
"The participation of companies like Microsoft in renewable energy generation projects points to a growing trend of ‘blue chip’ organizations taking charge of their energy destiny by procuring directly, with a focus on both reducing their carbon footprint and controlling long-term energy costs," Pfaff added.
Microsoft Energy Strategy Director Brian Janous said, "The Pilot Hill Wind Project is important to Microsoft because it helps solidify our commitment to taking significant action to shape our energy future by developing clean, low-cost sources to meet our energy needs."
