US: Enel Green Power begins construction on new wind farm

Enel Green Power S.p.A. (“EGP”) announced today that the company has started constructing its new 108 MW Drift Sand wind project in Oklahoma.

The wind farm, which is owned by Drift Sand Wind Project, LLC, a subsidiary of Enel Kansas, LLC held by Enel Green Power North America, Inc. (“EGPNA”), is expected to be completed and enter into service by the end of 2016. Once fully operational, the facility will be able to generate around 480 GWh   annually, providing enough energy to power the equivalent of more than 39,000 U.S. households.

“With the start of yet another construction site we continue to solidify our company’s ongoing investment in the U.S.,” said Francesco Venturini, CEO and General Manager of Enel Green Power. “Looking to the future, EGP is well positioned to be a leading player in the ongoing growth in the renewable energy market in the U.S. We will play an active role through the implementation of our business strategy, which is focused on technology diversification, innovation and development of strategic partnerships.”

The construction of Drift Sand requires an investment of approximately 180 million US dollars and is part of the investments foreseen in the company’s current business plan. The project is financed through the Enel Green Power Group’s own resources and all of the power and renewable energy credits from Drift Sand will be sold under a bundled, long-term power purchase agreement.

The Drift Sand wind project is located in Grady County, Oklahoma. EGP-NA operates six wind farms in Oklahoma, with a total capacity of close to 1 GW.