AEP unit seeks permits for 999-MW wind, solar purchase from Invenergy

US utility Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) is seeking regulatory approval in three US states to expand its portfolio with the purchase of 999 MW of wind and solar projects that are being developed by Chicago-based Invenergy LLC.

SWEPCO, part of American Electric Power Company Inc (NYSE:AEP), said on Tuesday it is pursuing three projects in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas, which have been identified through a competitive bidding process. The schemes represent a combined investment of USD 2.2 billion (EUR 2.1bn).

More specifically, the company is keen on purchasing the 200-MW Mooringsport solar project in Louisiana’s Caddo Parish, the 200.6-MW Diversion wind scheme in Texas and the 598.4-MW Wagon Wheel wind project in Oklahoma. While the Diversion wind farm is due to go online in December 2024, the two other plants are scheduled to kick off operations a year later.

After securing state approvals, AEP will request permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to buy the portfolio.

SWEPCO operates in northwest and central Louisiana, northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle as well as western Arkansas. In line with its renewables vision, it intends to issue a request for proposal (RFP) in the near term for additional renewable capacity, the utility said.

AEP has committed to adding around 16 GW of regulated renewables capacity to its portfolio by 2030 and becoming net-zero by 2050.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.934)

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