TVA’s announcement that it has plugged into its first of seven contracts for wind power could be a pretty big deal. TVA is trying to confirm what appears to be the largest single wind power purchase agreement in the country. Through the 20-year contract, TVA is buying 300 megawatts of power from Iberdrola Renewables, which is piping the power from its Streator Cayuga Ridge wind park in Livingston County, Ill. The facility has been built exclusively for TVA’s needs, according to a company fact sheet.
The contract is the largest of TVA’s agreements with outside providers of wind-generated power, which add up to 1,380 megwatts. And the Iberdola installation is the largest wind park in Illinois, according to the company.
TVA “turned the switch on” Tuesday, Bradley said, with no problems so far in delivery of the renewable power. TVA, along with other electricity providers, is learning how to incorporate the energy source into a portfolio that is made up of more traditional sources including coal and nuclear plants.
The next tranche of wind power to come online will be 115 megawatts scheduled to arrive this fall from Horizon Wind Energy LLC’s Pioneer Prairie wind farm in Howard and Mitchell counties in Iowa.
