Great River deal will boost wind power capacity by 65 percent

Great River Energy, which provides energy to Minnesota electric co-ops, has signed a new wind power purchase agreement that will increase its wind generation capacity by about 65 percent.

Maple Grove-based Great River announced Monday it recently signed an agreement with Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources for a new wind plant with a capacity of 300 megawatts, which is enough power for 120,000 homes when the wind is blowing.

The Emmons-Logan wind project in south central North Dakota will include 133 wind turbines and is slated to come online in 2019.

With the new project, Great River's wind power capacity will top 700 megawatts, which the company says meets or exceeds the requirements of Minnesota's Renewable Energy Standard. That standard calls for utilities to derive at least 25 percent of their electricity sales from renewable sources by 2025.

"The addition of the Emmons-Logan project significantly increases our renewable energy strength," Jon Brekke, vice president and chief market officer at Great River Energy, said in a statement.

Currently, Great River's three largest wind power purchase agreements each provide around 100 megawatts.

Great River generates the majority of its power from coal-fired plants, particularly the 1,146 megawatt Coal Creek Station in central North Dakota. Great River, a wholesale co-op, generates power for 28 electricity distribution co-ops across the state.

Mike Hughlett • 612-673-7003