Energy Efficiency, Sourcing Renewables, Wind  -  November 7, 2018

Washburn U. signs 20-year wind PPA

Washburn University has signed a 20-year wind PPA with Westar Energy to purchase 4 MW of energy from a new 300 MW wind farm in northeast Kansas.

A report by North American Windpower said the purchase will cover about 80% of the energy needs of the Washburn University and Washburn Tech campuses, both located in Topeka, Kan.

“We have been exploring ways to increase our use of green energy, so this opportunity came at an opportune time,” says Jerry Farley, Washburn University’s president. “But, just as important, this new arrangement will save the university upwards of $100,000 a year.” The PPA calls for the fuel factor costs, currently 2.3 cents per kWh, to be replaced by a fixed charge of 1.8 cents per kWh.

The new wind farm, the Soldier Creek Wind Energy Center, is being developed by an affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources LLC and is expected to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2020. Westar will have exclusive access to the output of the facility.

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