BP to Construct 5 U.S. Wind Projects in 2007

BP Alternative Energy North America expects to begin construction on five wind power projects in the U.S. in 2007. Located in four states – California, Colorado, North Dakota and Texas – the projects are expected to deliver a combined generation capacity of some 550 megawatts.

When complete, the projects will exceed the company’s previously announced target to build 450 MW by end of 2008.

Construction is already under way on the Cedar Creek project in Weld County, Colorado, a development venture between BP and Babcock & Brown Operating Partners. The 300 MW wind power generation project will be comprised of 274 wind turbines. Initial operation is expected in the second half of 2007 and when fully commercial, the project will generate enough electricity to power 120,000 homes.

The remaining four projects are:

• California – the Yaponcha wind power generation project is the re-powering of an existing wind energy facility in San Gorgonio Pass which expects to have a capacity of 20 MW.
• North Dakota – a 65 MW wind power generation project.
• Central Texas – a 60 MW joint project with Clipper Windpower.
• West Texas – a project in excess of 100 MW.

As part of this build program, BP plans to deploy 150 MW of Clipper Liberty turbines as part of the supply and joint development agreement it entered into in 2006 with Clipper Windpower.