NextEra Energy Resources, Tri-State celebrate commissioning of the Niyol Wind Energy Center
Project to soon achieve commercial operation, adding 200 megawatts of clean, renewable energy
(Nov. 4, 2021 – Fleming, Colo.) NextEra Energy Resources, LLC and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association celebrated the commissioning of Colorado’s newest wind project – the Niyol Wind Energy Center – with a dedication ceremony today near Fleming, Colo.
The Niyol Wind Energy Center features 74 wind turbines capable of generating up to 200 megawatts of clean, renewable energy for Tri-State’s 42 cooperative and public power district members. Construction of the facility began in March 2021. More than 300 construction workers took part in the effort, and seven full-time jobs will support the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the new facility.
“It is particularly gratifying for Tri-State and its members to see our Responsible Energy Plan (REP) projects come to fruition. Completion of Niyol Wind is another significant step in our energy transformation,” said Duane Highey, CEO for Tri-State. “NextEra Energy Resources brought a wealth of renewable energy development knowledge and experience in Colorado to help us make this effort a reality.”
Duane Highley with NextEra’s Communications Leader Sara Cassidy and Colorado Lieutenant Governor Diane Primavera
“It’s a privilege to continue developing clean, home-grown energy in Colorado and we’re pleased to partner with Tri-State, the Colorado State Land Board and local landowners to bring the Niyol Wind Energy Center online,” said Kevin Gildea, vice president of renewable development for NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and the sun. “This is our fourth wind project in Logan County and we’re grateful for the strong relationships we’ve formed in the area.”
“This is a great day for our state, as we work toward a more sustainable future that provides Coloradans with access to low-cost, clean, renewable energy, generated by our own wind resources,” said Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera. “I am pleased that this project also includes Colorado state lands and, along with the clean energy, will generate additional revenue to support our schools and children.”
Tri-State and its members will receive the electricity it generates through a long-term, purchased power agreement. In addition, one-third of the Niyol Wind Energy Center’s turbines are located on trust land governed by the Colorado State Land Board. The Niyol Wind Energy Center is owned and operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources.
NextEra Energy Resources
Since 2007, NextEra Energy Resources’ subsidiaries, like Niyol Wind, have been helping to fuel economic growth and energy independence in Colorado. NextEra Energy Resources and its subsidiaries have invested more than $3.5 billion in Colorado, through the development of nine operational wind energy centers and four operational solar projects.
The Niyol Wind Energy Center will also generate approximately $25 million in landowner payments and $24 million in additional revenue for Logan County, over the next 30 years.
Tri-State
The Niyol Wind Energy Center represents the second project completed of eight new wind and solar projects to be constructed for Tri-State by 2024 under its Responsible Energy Plan, which was announced in January 2020.
Tri-State’s clean energy transition significantly expands renewable energy generation, meaningfully reduces greenhouse gas emissions, extends the benefits of a clean grid to cooperative members, and will share more flexibility for self-generation with members, all while ensuring reliable, affordable and responsible electricity.
More than a third of the energy consumed by Tri-State’s members comes from renewable resources, and with the addition of Niyol Wind and the other projects, is forecasted to rise to 50% clean energy by 2024.
With an electric resource plan filed by Tri-State with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission in December 2020, system-wide clean energy consumed in Tri-State’s preferred scenario will reach 70% by 2030.
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About NextEra Energy Resources
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a clean energy leader and is one of the largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., with approximately 23,900 megawatts of total net generating capacity, primarily in 38 states and Canada as of year-end 2020. NextEra Energy Resources, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun based on 2020 megawatt hours produced on a net generation basis, and a world leader in battery storage. The business operates clean, emissions-free nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.
About Tri-State
Tri-State is a power supply cooperative of 45 members, operating on a not-for-profit basis, including 42 utility electric distribution cooperative and public power district members in four states that together deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State, visit www.tristate.coop.
Contact:
NextEra Energy Resources Media Line, 561-694-4442, Media.relations@nexteraenergy.com
Lee Boughey, 303-254-3555, lboughey@tristategt.org
Mark Stutz, 303-254-3183, mstutz@tristategt.org
Certain information contained in this press statement are forward-looking statements including statements concerning Tri-State’s plans, future events, and other information that is not historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described from time to time in Tri-State’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Tri-State’s expectations and beliefs are expressed in good faith, and Tri-State believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, Tri-State cannot assure you that management’s expectations and beliefs will be achieved. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein.