Duke Starts up 350MW Oklahoma Wind

Duke Energy Renewables has begun commercial operation of the largest wind farm in its fleet, the 350MW Frontier 2 project in Oklahoma.

The wind farm, in Kay County, is an expansion of the 200MW Frontier 1 project, operational since 2016.

Frontier 1 and 2 have a total capacity of 550MW.

AT&T and Ball Corporation have signed 15-year virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for 160MW and 161 MW, respectively from Frontier 2.

These VPPAs will settle on an as-generated basis tied to Frontier 2's real-time energy output.

"We're pleased to be working with AT&T and Ball Corporation on the Frontier 2 project, which is located in an area that has some of the best wind resources in the country," said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Renewables.

"This project further demonstrates how we can address the community's need for clean energy resources, while providing unique sustainability solutions for our customers."

AT&T network engineering and operations president Scott Mair added: “With more than 1.5GW of renewable energy capacity, our portfolio delivers clean electricity to the grid, helps to create jobs and community benefits, and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“This is an important piece of our journey to reach carbon neutrality across our global operations by 2035.”

Kathleen Pitre, chief commercial officer and chief sustainability officer of Ball Corporation, said: “Partnering with Duke Energy on the Frontier 2 project is a momentous step in helping Ball achieve our Science Based Targets, reduce the carbon footprint of our beverage cans and support our customers' sustainability goals.”

Nordex supplied 74 4.8MW wind turbines for the site.

Amshore Renewable Energy provided development support for the project, and Wanzek Construction was the contractor.