For the Laredo Ridge wind project, which has been developed by Midwest Wind Energy of Chicago, the company has already entered into a 20-year power purchase contract with the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). The project will be powered by 54 GE turbines to produce enough electricity to meet the needs of about 26,000 homes.
The company hopes to complete the construction of the project by year-end. The company expects the project to create about 170 construction jobs.
The estimated cost of the project is $200m. In addition, the company will pay nearly $6m in taxes and fees to the local and state economies over the next 20 years.
This Laredo Ridge wind project represents the second collaboration between EMG, NPPD and Midwest Wind Energy, the first being the Elkhorn Ridge project near Bloomfield, which has been generating power for over a year. EMG and NPPD also planning to work on a third project, Broken Bow in Custer County.
Ron Asche, president and CEO of NPPD, said: “Nebraska Public Power District is pleased to continue our working relationship with Midwest Wind Energy and Edison Mission through the addition of the Laredo Ridge Wind Farm.
“Our board of directors has established a goal of having 10% of our customers’ energy needs met by new renewable energy resources by 2020. The addition of the Laredo Ridge wind farm will be another small step towards achieving that goal.”
