Southern Company subsidiary acquires Grant Plains wind facility

"The acquisition of the Grant Plains wind facility is an important step in strategically growing our renewable energy portfolio," said Southern Power President and CEO Buzz Miller. "This project aligns with our business model and underscores our commitment to developing wind generation."

The Grant Plains wind facility will be located in Grant County, Oklahoma, and is expected to utilize 64 wind turbines manufactured by Siemens. Grant Plains will be Southern Power's third wind facility in Oklahoma, building on a portfolio that includes the adjacent 151-MW Grant Wind facility and the 299 MW Kay Wind facility, both also acquired from Apex with turbines produced by Siemens. Grant Plains fits Southern Power's business strategy of growing its wholesale business through the acquisition and construction of generating assets substantially covered by long-term contracts.

Apex Clean Energy is managing the construction and will operate and maintain the facility upon completion. IEA Renewable Energy Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, LLC, is serving as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor. Construction began in the first quarter this year, and the plant is expected to achieve commercial operation in December 2016.

With the addition of the Grant Plains wind facility, Southern Power owns more than 2,400 MW of renewable generation from 31 solar, wind and biomass facilities either announced, acquired or under construction. Across its system, Southern Company has added or announced more than 4,000 MW of renewable generation since 2012.