EDF Renewable Energy to supply Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency with 100 MW of wind energy

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) recently agreed to purchase 100 megawatts (MW) of wind energy from EDF Renewable Energy (EDF RE) via a new project located in Southwestern Minnesota.

Crews are expected to begin construction on the Stoneray Wind Project, located in Pipestone and Murray Counties, Minnesota, in early 2018. The project is expected to enter commercial operation in December
2018. The Power Purchase Agreement is scheduled to take effect in 2020.

“EDF RE is pleased to expand on its strong historical working relationship with SMMPA to help meet their energy supply goals and objectives,” Kate O’Hair, EDF RE’s vice president for development-north region, said. “Minnesota has long been a key state for EDF RE due to its favorable regulatory environment,
excellent wind resource, and advantageous transmission expansion.”

The new wind farm will consist of 50 wind turbine generators. At full capacity, the farm generates enough energy for 47,000 average Minnesota homes and avoids over 300,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually. The project is expected to generate over 150 construction jobs and 10 long-term, full-time positions.

“Stoneray Wind is a big addition to SMMPA’s diverse renewable energy portfolio,” Dave Geschwind, SMMPA’s executive director and CEO, said. “Building on the success of the 100.5 MW Wapsipinicon Wind project with EDF RE, we’re glad to be working further with EDF RE to provide more Minnesota wind energy to our Members and economic benefits to southern Minnesota through this important project.”