Sempra U.S. Gas & Power has acquired the Black Oak Getty wind project in Minnesota from Geronimo Energy, LLC, a utility-scale wind and solar energy developer. When the 78MW Black Oak Getty is completed, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, along with its affiliates and joint-venture partners, will have wind facilities in seven states totaling more than 1,200 MW of generating capacity. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Located in Stearns County, Minn., the Black Oak Getty wind farm will generate enough renewable power for approximately 30,000 Minnesota homes. The project is expected to move into full construction in spring 2016.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to diversify and expand our renewables portfolio through the acquisition, development and operation of the Black Oak Getty wind project," said Patricia K. Wagner, president and CEO of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. "We look forward to providing Minnesota with a stable supply of clean, renewable energy and becoming a long-term partner with the local community through the development and operation of this project."
The project is expected to employ about 250 workers at peak construction and be in commercial operation by late 2016. The entire power output from the wind farm has been sold to Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) under a 20-year contract.
"MMPA's purchase from this wind project will help MMPA meet its renewable energy obligation of 25 percent in 2025," said Derick O. Dahlen, executive director for Minnesota Municipal Power Agency.
"Geronimo is pleased to partner with Sempra U.S. Gas & Power to bring the Black Oak Getty wind farm into operation," said Blake Nixon, president of Geronimo Energy. "As a result of this transaction, the Black Oak Getty wind farm will bring positive economic impact to the local area and stable, low cost energy to the customers of Minnesota Municipal Power Agency."