US power company MidAmerican Energy is set to purchase wind projects in Iowa with a combined capacity of 407.1MW in the latest of a string of renewable energy deals made by prominent investor Warren Buffett.
It has reached an agreement with RPM Access for the acquisition of the 103.5MW Vienna wind farm, located in Marshall and Tama counties. It will also purchase the 200.1MW Eclipse development and 101.2MW Morning Light facility from Clipper Windpower. All three are expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
In addition, the company will add a 2.3MW turbine to an existing plant later this year.
Bill Fehrman, president and CEO of MidAmerican Energy, said, 'Wind is a viable renewable energy resource that enhances our energy portfolio, providing additional generation at a reasonable cost for our customers. These projects also fulfil our commitment to Iowa regulators and our customers. In 2009, MidAmerican Energy received approval from the Iowa Utilities Board to add up to 1,001MW of wind-powered generation prior to 2013, and I'm proud to say we have agreements in place to fulfil that commitment.'
MidAmerican Energy is backed by Buffet and has a growing portfolio of renewable assets. When the 2012 developments are operational, MidAmerican will own more than 2.2GW of wind generation, around 29 per cent of its total capacity.
In December, the company announced its first purchase of a solar plant.