Sempra U.S. Gas and Power Announces Acquisition of Minnesota Wind Project
78-MW Wind Project to Move into Full Construction in Spring 2016
SAN DIEGO –Â Sempra U.S. Gas and Power today announced it has acquired the Black Oak Getty wind project in Minnesota from Geronimo Energy, LLC, a utility-scale wind and solar energy developer. When the 78-megawatt (MW) Black Oak Getty is completed, Sempra U.S. Gas and 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.
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.
"We look forward to working with Sempra U.S. Gas & Power as a long term partner," said Derick O. Dahlen, executive director for Minnesota Municipal Power Agency. "MMPA's purchase from this wind project will help MMPA meet its renewable energy obligation of 25 percent in 2025."
"Geronimo is pleased to partner with a world-class company like 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."
About Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC is a leading developer of renewable energy and natural gas solutions with power plants that generate enough electricity for nearly 600,000 homes and businesses. Sempra U.S. Gas & Power companies also operate natural gas storage facilities, pipelines and distribution utilities. The company is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2014 revenues of approximately $11 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' 17,000 employees serve more than 32 million consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.SempraUSGP.com.
About Geronimo Energy
Geronimo Energy is a utility-scale renewable energy development company headquartered in Edina, Minnesota. Geronimo has developed multiple operating wind farms and solar projects throughout the Midwestern United States. Together with its various project partners, Geronimo is poised to build wind projects with an aggregate nameplate capacity of over 1,000 MW and approximately 200 MW of solar projects throughout the Midwest by the end of 2016. Geronimo has a multi-gigawatt development pipeline of wind and solar projects in various stages of development throughout the United States and provides custom renewable energy development solutions for utilities and corporations looking to harness renewable energy for business growth. For more information about Geronimo Energy, visit www.geronimoenergy.com.
Media Contact:
Steve Schooff
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
(619) 696-2066
www.semprausgp.com
Financial Contact:
Kendall Helm
Sempra Energy
(877) 696-2461
Investor@Sempra.com
SOURCE Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
Web Site: http://www.SempraUSGP.com
