Wind Energy
Duke Energy continues to build its wind power generation portfolio in support of our strategy to increase our investment in renewable energy and national efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Wind Power Development
Through a series of strategic acquisitions and development projects, Duke Energy has positioned itself as an emerging leader in the field of wind power generation.
Duke Energy acquired the wind development assets of Tierra Energy, a leading wind power developer, in May 2007. The purchase of the Austin, Texas-based company brought Duke Energy more than 1,000 megawatts of wind assets under development in the Western and Southwestern United States. Three of the projects – a total of 180 megawatts – are located in Texas and Wyoming and will be in commercial operation by the end of 2008. Several additional facilities are scheduled for construction and operation in 2009.
Duke Energy finalized its purchase of Catamount Energy, based in Rutland, Vt., in September 2008 to significantly enhance its wind portfolio. The acquisition includes 300 megawatts of renewable energy in operation, including an interest in the Sweetwater project in Nolan County, Texas – one of the largest wind projects in the world. Duke Energy will gain approximately 1,750 megawatts of development interests in several U.S. states and the U.K. through the Catamount purchase.
Duke Energy will have approximately 500 megawatts of wind power in commercial operation by the end of 2008. The company has an additional 5,000 megawatts under development in 12 U.S. states.
Wind Power Purchase Agreements
Duke Energy reached an agreement in August 2006 to purchase up to 100 megawatts of wind power capacity at Indiana’s first commercial wind farm in Benton County, Indiana. The 20-year agreement was the first significant, long-term purchase of wind power in Indiana. Duke Energy began purchasing power from the Benton County Wind Farm in April 2008.
By issuing multiple Requests for Proposals in 2008, Duke Energy also demonstrated its commitment to expanding the use of renewable energy resources in Indiana and Ohio. The company hopes to elicit proposals that could result in the delivery of substantial renewable power in the 2009-2012 timeframe. Wind energy qualifies as a renewable resource that could help Duke Energy build its low-carbon energy portfolio in these states.
In September 2008, Duke Energy announced a long-term agreement for the sale of 99 megawatts of electricity from a new wind farm near Casper, Wyoming. The 66 wind turbines that will comprise the Campbell Hill Windpower project are scheduled to begin generating electricity by late 2009.
Building Bridges to a Low-Carbon Future
Duke Energy will continue to look for opportunities to explore the potential of wind, a renewable and zero-carbon emission energy source, to meet growing worldwide demand.
