Duke Energy Renewables has completed its large-scale wind power plant in Oklahoma, the 200-megawatt (MW) Frontier Windpower Project.

The wind facility, located in Kay County, east of Blackwell, became operational in late December 2016, and increases Duke Energy Renewables’ U.S. wind capacity to 2,300 megawatts (MW).

“We had several ‘firsts’ with the Frontier project,” said Rob Caldwell, president, Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology. “It was our first wind project in Oklahoma, and it was the first time Vestas’ extra-large 126-meter rotors were deployed in the U.S.

“We also formed a unique partnership with Blackwell Industrial Authority for our operations and maintenance building. A project of this scale was made possible by the overwhelming support of the community, landowners, vendors and our customer, City Utilities.”

City Utilities of Springfield, Mo., is purchasing the power from the Frontier Windpower Project under a 22-year agreement.

"We’re excited about the partnership we have developed with the Frontier Windpower Project,” said Scott Miller, general manager, City Utilities of Springfield. "Providing a long-term renewable source of power generation in this changing market is critical to the future of our utility.”

“Rarely does a project, by design, have a multigenerational economic impact on a region like Duke Energy Renewables’ new Frontier wind farm,” said John Robertson, executive director of Blackwell Industrial Authority. “Blackwell, Oklahoma, is fortunate to have been selected for their operations and maintenance facility, assuring decades of high-tech jobs and investment in our rural location. We are excited to welcome them to our community and are looking forward to future growth of the green energy sector in our state.”

The 200-MW Frontier Wind produces enough emissions-free electricity to power about 60,000 average homes.

Amshore US Wind provided development support for the project, and Wanzek Construction was the contractor. Vestas supplied 61 V126-3.3 MW turbines for the site.

Video available: Visit our illumination site to download a 60-second time lapse video at http://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/oklahoma-project-captures-the-power-of-the-wind. Still photos upon request.

Learn more about ERP's involvement in the Frontier Windproject here.