The Laredo Ridge wind energy project is planned for completion by the end of 2010. The project is a direct result of NPPD’s efforts to expand the participation in wind development by issuing a request for proposal in November 2008 for wind farms to be constructed near Petersburg and Broken Bow.
Under terms of the agreement, Laredo Ridge Wind will own and operate the facility, and NPPD will purchase the electric output. In addition, the parties have entered into negotiations on a similar power purchase agreement for Midwest Wind and EMG’s proposed Broken Bow wind farm, which is expected to be operational in 2012.
Ron Litzinger, CEO of EMG, said: “Nebraska Public Power District is one of Edison Mission Group’s very valued customers for renewable energy, and the state of Nebraska has provided a good business environment for developing wind projects. Not including Laredo Ridge, EMG’s wind energy portfolio currently consists of 27 projects in operation (25) or under construction (2) in 10 states with a total generating capacity of nearly 1,600MW.”
Mike Donahue, executive vice president of Midwest Wind Energy, said: “This project is another demonstration of how the public and private sectors can work together to provide reliable, renewable energy to Nebraska’s customers. First, with our Elkhorn Ridge project and now, with Laredo Ridge, we have developed a model for successful public-private partnerships.”
