Duke Energy to Build Two Wind Power Projects in South Texas

Duke Energy Renewables announced that it will build two large-scale wind power facilities in South Texas.

Duke Energy Renewables will build, own and operate the Los Vientos III and IV Windpower Projects, sited approximately 100 miles west of Brownsville near Rio Grande City in Starr County. Each will produce 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

Austin Energy will purchase the output and associated renewable energy credits from the wind farms under two 25-year agreements.

Duke Energy Renewables will begin construction of the projects in the fourth quarter of this year, with an in-service date expected in early 2015 for Los Vientos III and mid-2016 for Los Vientos IV.

Once in operation, the 400 MW produced by Los Vientos III and IV will bring Duke Energy's total wind-generated capacity to more than 2,000 MW