North Central Traverse Wind Farm 2021

Developed by Invenergy, Traverse is expected to generate 3.8 million MWh annually for AEP’s Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) customers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. The 356-turbine facility spans Blaine and Custer counties in north-central Oklahoma.

Traverse is the third and final wind project to compose the North Central Energy Facilities, which provide 1,484 MW of clean energy and will save customers an estimated $3 billion in electricity costs over the next 30 years.

“Traverse is part of the next chapter in AEP’s transition to a clean energy future. The commercial operation of Traverse — the largest single wind farm ever built at once in North America — and the completion of the North Central Energy Facilities is a significant milestone in our efforts to provide clean, reliable power to our customers while saving them money,” said Nicholas K. Akins, AEP chairman, president and CEO. “AEP is investing $8.2 billion in regulated renewables and nearly $25 billion in the transmission and distribution systems through 2026 to modernize the grid, enhance reliability and resilience and deliver more emissions-free energy to our customers. Including North Central, we plan to add approximately 16,000 MW of wind and solar in our regulated states by 2030 as part of our goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

The North Central Energy Facilities also include the 199-MW Sundance and 287-MW Maverick wind projects, which began commercial operation in April and September 2021 respectively.

News item from American Electric Power

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“We’re proud to be expanding Invenergy’s notable footprint in our home state of Illinois,” said Meghan Schultz, executive VP of finance and capital markets at Invenergy. “The continued collaboration of our valued lender partners, who share our vision of a more sustainable world, make our ambitious but essential projects possible.”

Once operational, Milwaukee-based WEC Energy Group will acquire 90% ownership interest in Sapphire Sky Wind, and Invenergy will retain a minority ownership position.

Invenergy Services, a subsidiary of Invenergy, will oversee operations and maintenance while providing balance of plant and administrative services under a long-term agreement.

“Invenergy Services will be working onsite every day providing best-in-class services to ensure Sapphire Sky Wind operates safely and efficiently,” said Kevin Schroeder, senior VP of renewable operations at Invenergy. “The project will add to the 1,344MW of energy facilities currently managed by Invenergy Services in Illinois.”

Sapphire Sky Wind will generate enough electricity to power nearly 80,000 homes each year, while supporting approximately 300 jobs during the 12-month construction period and 9 full-time operations and maintenance jobs once completed. The project will invest more than $170 million in the local community through property taxes, landowner payments and wages and benefits.

“With construction underway, we’re thrilled to bring new jobs and economic growth to McLean County,” said Art Fletcher, executive VP of construction at Invenergy. “We look forward to delivering more reliable, affordable clean energy and investment in our project host communities across Illinois for years to come.”

News item from Invenergy

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Located southwest of Enid, Oklahoma, Maverick is one of three wind projects that compose the North Central Energy Facilities, which will provide 1,485 MW of clean energy to customers of AEP’s Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) subsidiaries.

Invenergy is developing the North Central Energy Facilities, and PSO and SWEPCO assume ownership of each of the three wind projects following their commercial operation.

In addition to Maverick, North Central Energy Facilities include the 199-MW Sundance project, which began commercial operation in April 2021, and the 999-MW Traverse project, which is expected to begin operation in early 2022.

“Maverick’s commercial operation brings us one step closer to the completion of North Central and to delivering more clean, reliable energy to our customers,” said Nicholas K. Akins, AEP chairman, president and CEO. “North Central’s three wind projects will create enough energy to power 440,000 homes and will be a valuable asset in AEP’s generation portfolio as we work to add nearly 16,600 MW of regulated wind and solar resources through 2030.”

The combined North Central wind projects represent a $2 billion investment in the U.S. economy through jobs in manufacturing, construction, operations and maintenance, in addition to generating property tax revenue and lease payments for landowners.

News item from American Electric Power

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