Local, State, and Federal Dignitaries Attend Ribbon-Cutting for Invenergy’s Prairie Breeze Wind Energy Center in Nebraska
Elgin, Neb. (June 25, 2014) – Invenergy Wind LLC (“Invenergy”) today welcomed local,state, and federal government representatives, and business and community leaders, toa ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the commencement of commercial operations atits Prairie Breeze Wind Energy Center (“Prairie Breeze”).
Prairie Breeze is a 118-turbine, 200.6 MW project located in Antelope, Boone, andMadison Counties. The project interconnects into a 230 kV transmission line of theNebraska Public Power District (“NPPD”) and output is purchased by the Omaha PublicPower District (“OPPD”) under long-term agreement.
“This wind farm is indicative of Nebraska’s commitment to energy independence andrural economic development,” said Gov. Dave Heineman. “Wind energy helps our localeconomy and our state economy. This is another important step toward controlling ourown energy future.”
“As we look to the future, OPPD remains strongly committed to providing affordable,reliable and environmentally sensitive services to our customers,” said OPPD VicePresident of Corporate Service Sherrye Hutcherson. “With Prairie Breeze, OPPD hassurpassed its voluntary goal of producing ten percent renewable energy for retail salesby 2020. We’re delighted, in fact, that by 2017-2018, OPPD’s renewable energyportfolio will surpass thirty percent.”
“This is an exciting day for Invenergy as we celebrate our first energy generation projectin Nebraska,” said Jim Shield, Chief Development Officer at Invenergy. “We appreciatethe great alliance of local support that made this wind farm possible, including workingwith OPPD and NPPD. We’re proud that Prairie Breeze makes good business andenvironmental sense for all involved.”
Located on approximately 25,000 acres of private land, Prairie Breeze:
Commenced commercial operation on May 1, 2014
Employed more than 230 skilled workers during construction
Contributes more than $3 million annually to area’s economic development, through property tax payments, staff salaries, and landowner payments:
Thirteen full-time workers operate and maintain the facility
There are more than 100 participating landowners
Features 118 General Electric wind turbines, with 99 units located in AntelopeCounty and 19 in Boone County
“Prairie Breeze is a new source of jobs and tax revenue for our community,” said LeRoyKerkman, Antelope County Board District #7 Supervisor. “We’re proud that Invenergychose to invest in Antelope County, and we’re delighted to celebrate that today.”
“We welcome Prairie Breeze to our county, and look forward to a long and successfulrelationship with Invenergy,” said Ken Luettel, Boone County District #3 Commissioner.“We’re proud to play a part in diversifying our nation’s energy portfolio.”
About Invenergy
Invenergy and its affiliated companies develop, own and operate large-scale renewableand other clean energy generation facilities in North America and Europe. Invenergy iscommitted to clean power alternatives and continued innovation in electricity generation.Invenergy's home office is located in Chicago and it has regional development offices inthe United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Europe.
Invenergy has developed more than 8,000 MW of clean energy projects that are inoperation, in construction, or under contract, including 65 wind, solar, and natural gaspower facilities. For more information, please visit www.invenergyllc.com.
Contact: Alissa Krinsky, Director of Communications312-582-1554 or akrinsky@invenergyllc.com