Sempra Generation invests in 250-MW Colorado wind farm

Sempra Generation, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, announced it has become an equal partner with BP Wind Energy in the development of the Cedar Creek II Wind Farm in Colorado.

The project currently is under construction near New Raymer, about 90 miles northeast of Fort Collins. The 250-megawatt (MW) facility, which is expected to be operational in June 2011, will produce enough clean electricity for approximately 75,000 average homes.

The project's entire power output already has been sold under a 25-year power- purchase agreement to Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company.

"Cedar Creek II is a strategic addition to our growing renewable portfolio in the Western U.S.," said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. "This project advances our leadership in sustainable energy development. We look forward to providing a new supply of emission-free electricity to Colorado residents, produced with some of the finest wind resources in the country."

The project will employ approximately 350 construction workers at peak and more than a dozen full-time positions to operate the facility.

This is the second wind power joint venture between BP Wind Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of BP, and Sempra Generation. The companies are equal partners on the 200-MW Fowler Ridge II Wind Farm in Indiana.

Sempra Generation also is expected to complete construction on the largest photovoltaic solar power facility in the U.S. later this year. The 48-MW Copper Mountain Solar project near Las Vegas is adjacent to Sempra Generation's existing 10-MW El Dorado Solar plant. The combined 58-MW solar installation will utilize nearly 1 million thin-film photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity that is sold to Pacific Gas and Electric Company under separate 20-year power-purchase agreements.