We here at Renewable Energy Law Insider would like to congratulate BP Wind Energy North America Inc. (BPWENA) on its announcement of a new 420 MW wind project located in Barber and Kingman Counties, Kansas. The new wind project, known as Flat Ridge 2, will be located approximately 60 miles southwest of Wichita, Kansas.
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, an active supporter of Kansas wind, attended the announcement ceremony on October 3rd. During his remarks, Gov. Brownback stated,
We have enjoyed working closely with BP Wind Energy to create jobs and grow the economy in our state. Kansans have a proud history of meeting the needs of the world. We export wheat to feed the hungry and will now be exporting our latest crop – clean, reliable and affordable wind energy to power the needs of our nation.
Flat Ridge 2 and BPWENA have worked diligently with the residents and government officials of these counties to ensure a positive local reception to the project. To that end, Flat Ridge 2 has entered into payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements and road maintenance agreements (RMA) with Harper County and Kingman County, and has entered into long-term leases with area landowners for placement of all wind turbine generators necessary for successful completion of the Project.
Commercial operation of the Project is currently planned for January 1, 2013.
For more information about this project, see BPWENA’s press release, or Daniel McCoy’s excellent article in the Wichita Business Journal, “BP announcement another step toward Brownback’s renewable vision.”