For most of the past century, one of the largest parasites draining the American economy has been our dependence on foreign oil. Besides reducing our economic vitality, this money has funded many governments that are hostile to the United States.
So, a major component of the massive infrastructure renewal needed in the U.S (and worldwide) is the replacement of fossil fuel-based energy generation with renewal power, thus helping to restore our global climate, reduce energy costs and make America’s economy more resilient…less dependent on our enemies.
So it was good news when—in Oklahoma on March 21, 2022—Invenergy and GE Renewable Energy announced the launch of commercial operations for the 998-megawatt Traverse Wind Energy Center, the largest wind farm constructed in a single phase in North America.
Invenergy claims to be the largest privately-held global developer, owner and operator of sustainable energy solutions.
Located in north central Oklahoma, Traverse joins the operational 199-megawatt Sundance Wind Energy Center and the 287-megawatt Maverick Wind Energy Center, as the last of three projects developed by Invenergy for American Electric Power (AEP) to reach commercial operation.
These projects make up the North Central Energy Facilities, and have 531 GE turbines with a combined capacity of 1484 megawatts, making them collectively among the largest wind energy facilities globally.
“This is a moment that Invenergy and our valued partners at AEP, GE Renewable Energy, and the gracious members of our home communities in Oklahoma have been looking forward to,” said Jim Shield, Senior Executive Vice President and Development Business Leader at Invenergy.
“With the completion of Traverse and with it the North Central Energy Facilities, we’re proud to further our commitment to responsible, clean energy development and to advance our mission to build a sustainable world,” he continued.
The North Central Energy Facilities represent a $2 billion capital investment in north central Oklahoma, directly investing in the local economy through new tax revenues and lease payments to participating landowners and will generate enough electricity to power 440,000 American homes.
“GE was honored to work with Invenergy on this milestone wind project, continuing our long-standing partnership,” said Steve Swift, Global Commercial Leader for GE’s Onshore Wind business.
“Wind power is a key element of driving decarbonization, and a dependable and affordable energy option here in the US and around the world. GE’s 2MW platform turbines are ideally suited to bring reliable and sustainable renewable energy to the region for many years to come,” he added.
AEP’s subsidiaries Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) and Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) assumed ownership of the three wind farms upon start of commercial operations to serve their customers in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
Invenergy Services, a subsidiary of Invenergy, will provide Operations and Maintenance, Balance of Plant, Energy Management, and Asset Management services under a 10-year agreement, adding to the 13-gigawatt global sustainable energy project portfolio it manages.
Photo of the 998-megawatt Traverse Energy Center is courtesy of American Electric Power.