Wind energy producer EDP Renewables North America brought its 180-MW Wildcat Creek Wind Farm to commercial operations and is producing energy in Cooke County, Texas.
Wildcat Creek Wind marks EDPR NA’s fifth operating wind farm in Texas and is the company’s second project — in addition to Reloj del Sol Wind Farm in Zapata County — to recently come online in the state. These newest wind projects bring EDPR NA’s Texas portfolio to 1,089 MW in operating renewable energy capacity.
“EDP Renewables is proud to be at the forefront of bringing more renewable energy online in the Lone Star State,” said Shane Hiett, operations manager at Wildcat Creek. “The Wildcat Creek Wind Farm advances our commitment to delivering reliable energy to Texans for the next several decades, while also driving new jobs, revenue, and economic activity to the North Texas region.”
Wildcat Creek is located approximately 50 miles north of Dallas-Fort Worth. The wind farm is anticipated to disburse $38 million in cumulative payments to local governments over the life of the project, including $8 million directed to local school districts. The wind farm will also pay out a total of approximately $72 million in land-lease payments to local landowners.
On the jobs front, Wildcat Creek created approximately 250 full-time jobs during construction and will support 10 to 12 permanent careers over the life of the project.
“With the Wildcat Creek Wind Farm coming online, I’m not only excited about the renewable energy powering our community but also the long-term benefits that we will continue to see from the project,” said Leo Lutkenhaus, landowner. “We view EDP Renewables as a true partner invested in our success, and the project’s support will enhance our local communities and provide critical revenue for our schools and local government. The positive impacts of Wildcat Creek will be seen and felt in North Texas for generations to come.”
News item from EDP Renewables North America
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