BP Wind Energy Signs Wind Turbine Contract with GE for 560 megawatts

BP Wind Energy today announced that it has signed wind turbine supply and maintenance agreements totaling over $750 million to further build out its wind portfolio in the US. A total of 350 wind turbine units will be delivered to BP projects that when in operation will have a combined power generation of 560 megawatts (MW).

Some 88 wind turbines will be delivered to BP’s Mehoopany Wind Farm located on a 9,000-acre site in Wyoming County, PA some 20 miles northwest of Scranton. When in full operation, the project will generate approximately 144 MW of energy. The remaining 262 units will be delivered to the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm located in south-central Kansas. The project will generate 419 megawatts of renewable power when in full operation. Both projects are expected to be on line by year-end 2012.

“As we continue to aggressively expand our US wind energy project portfolio, we are pleased to be working with our colleagues at GE, a company with whom we have a long-term strategic relationship that delivers proven wind turbine technology and competitive maintenance contracts,” said John Graham, president and CEO, BP Wind Energy. “To date, about 30 percent of our wind fleet is powered by GE wind turbines and we are delighted to once again be partnering with GE to deliver affordable, renewable electricity that enhances this nation’s energy security and independence.”

“We continue to see strong demand for our advanced wind turbine technology because of its capability to meet the economic and environmental priorities of operators like BP Wind Energy,” said Victor Abate, vice president of renewables for GE Power & Water. “We have been supporting BP Wind Energy projects since 2008, and welcome the opportunity to participate in this latest series of projects, which will help to build additional momentum for wind power in the United States.”

Both the Mehoopany Wind Farm and the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm are 100 percent owned and will be operated by BP Wind Energy. Subject to all necessary permits to proceed, it is anticipated that initial site construction work will start on both projects in the fourth quarter of 2011.

About BP
BP Wind Energy is a principal owner and operator of wind power facilities with interests in 13 wind farms. BP Wind Energy has a gross generating capacity of nearly 1,600 MW – enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 average American homes.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site: http://www.bpalternativenergy.com/

BP is one of the world’s largest energy companies. In the US, BP has approximately $52 billion in assets and employs some 23,000 staff. The company’s main businesses are exploration and production of oil and gas; refining, manufacturing and marketing of oil products and petrochemicals; transportation and marketing of natural gas. With a growing business in wind power, advanced biofuels and one of the largest solar farms on the east coast, BP Alternative Energy will have invested around $7 billion in energy development, including $4 billion in the US by the end of 2011. Our commitment is helping to create a secure and sustainable energy future for us all.

About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site: http://www.ge.com/

GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Management and GE Oil & Gas—work together with more than 100,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.