WEC Energy and Invenergy acquired the Jayhawk Wind project, a wind farm located in Kansas with more than 190 megawatts of capacity; the purchase also includes a power purchase agreement with Facebook.
Firstly, WEC Energy and Invenergy purchased the wind farm from Apex Clean Energy; while the deal with Facebook is the fourth one that the tech company signs with Apex, following a 61,6 PPA with Altavista Solar. Then, a 200 MW PPA with Aviator Wind, and finally a 175 MW PPA with Lincoln Land Wind.
Secondly, the purchase of the Jayhawk Wind project is part of WEC Energy’s $16 billion ESG Plan; which is the largest five-year capital plan in the company’s history; and it is aimed at further developing projects with an ESG approach.
Thirdly, the wind farm is located in in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas. According to Apex, it will break grounds in the site to begin construction this week, and will be operation by the end of 2021.
In addition, it will consist of 70 GE wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 190 MW. It is expected to provide more than 115 jobs, and over $20 million in landowner payments, and also over $27 million in tax revenue for the state.
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Moreover, the PPA with Facebook will help meet the company’s goal to become 100% renewable energy powered and achieve net-zero. Consequently, Urvi Parekh, head of Renewable Energy at Facebook, said.
“At Facebook, we are committed to supporting our global operations with 100% renewable energy; and helping accelerate the transition to renewable energy around the world. We are excited to help bring this new wind project—our first in Kansas—to the grid in support of our operations in the region.”
On the other hand, Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy president and CEO stated. “Because of these agreements with Facebook—a valued Apex customer—and new partners WEC Energy Group and Invenergy, Jayhawk Wind will advance the new energy economy in Kansas; and generate significant long-term economic benefits for the local community.”
Finally, he commented. “Establishing and growing strong relationships with the nation’s pre-eminent clean energy investors and power purchasers is fundamental to Apex’s core mission; and to our ability to bring best-in-class renewable energy assets like Jayhawk Wind to life.”
