AEP Purchases More Wind Energy | Renewable Energy News Article

Columbus, Ohio [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] American Electric Power subsidiary Appalachian Power Co. has signed a long-term power purchase agreement for renewable wind energy with Camp Grove Wind Farm LLC, a wind project majority owned by Orion Energy Group LLC.

Through the 20-year agreement, Appalachian Power will purchase 75 megawatts (MW) of wind energy from the 150-MW Camp Grove Wind Farm that currently is being constructed near Camp Grove, Ill.

Michael G. Morris, AEP Chairman, President, and CEO said, "Coupled with 310 megawatts of wind generation that we've owned and operated in Texas for years, the total wind energy portfolio that AEP can rely on to serve our customers is 1,050 megawatts."

Morris further stated that the company's "commitment to renewable development is clearly demonstrated by our ever-growing reliance on renewable energy to serve our customers and our recently announced plans to link wind generation with large-scale battery storage to help offset its intermittent nature.

The power purchase agreement with Camp Grove is part of AEP's voluntary plans to add 1,000 MW of new wind energy by 2011 as a component of the company's comprehensive strategy to address its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).