Enel Green Power North America has started operations of the Rock Creek wind farm in the United States. Rock Creek is the first Enel project to begin operations in the state of Missouri and is the largest operational wind farm in the state.
“The completion of Rock Creek nearly two months ahead of schedule is a testament to the project team’s tremendous effort and the continuing support received from the local community,” said Antonio Cammisecra, head of Enel Green Power (EGPNA). “Through Rock Creek we continue to expand our geographical footprint and operational capacity in the US.”
The wind facility, located in Atchison County, Missouri, is owned by EGPNA subsidiary Rock Creek Wind Project, LLC. Investment in the construction of Rock Creek amounted to, approximately, 500 million US dollars. Rock Creek is expected to generate approximately 1,250 GWh annually – equivalent to the energy consumption needs of more than 100,000 U.S. households – while avoiding the emission of about 900,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. The facility’s power and renewable energy credits are being sold under two separate bundled, long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with utilities Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company (GMO).
With the start of production of Rock Creek, EGPNA now brings the state’s total operating wind capacity to nearly 1 GW of power1.
The project also was the recent recipient of local development agency Atchison County Development Corporation’s 2017 Economic Development Award for its significant economic impact in the region during construction and throughout the life of the project.
EGPNA is a leading owner and operator of renewable energy plants in North America with projects operating and under development in 23 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. EGPNA operates around 100 plants with a managed capacity exceeding 3.6 GW powered by renewable hydropower, wind, geothermal and solar energy. The company is currently the largest wind operator in Kansas and the second largest wind operator in Oklahoma.