Harnessing the Power of Wind: Avangrid and AMP's Partnership at Blue Creek

In an era where energy demand continues to rise, maintaining a reliable and sustainable power supply is paramount. Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, has taken significant strides in this direction. The signing of a short-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) for energy produced from Avangrid’s Blue Creek project marks a notable development in the realm of renewable energy. This collaboration not only ensures a steady energy supply but also bolsters the economic fabric of rural Ohio communities. In this blog post, we delve into the multifaceted impact of the Blue Creek project and explore the enduring relationship between Avangrid and AMP.

The Genesis of a Renewable Energy Powerhouse

Avangrid's Vision and Commitment

Avangrid, Inc. stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. As a member of the Iberdrola Group, Avangrid is committed to creating a greener future through the development and management of renewable energy projects. The Blue Creek wind power project, located in Van Wert and Paulding Counties in Northwest Ohio, exemplifies this commitment. With a capacity of 304 Megawatts (MW), Blue Creek generates enough energy annually to power approximately 76,000 homes.

The inception of Blue Creek in 2012 marked a pivotal moment in Avangrid's journey. During its construction, the project created over 500 jobs, underscoring Avangrid’s dedication to local economic growth. Moreover, the majority of the equipment was manufactured and assembled in various U.S. states, including Wisconsin, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota, reflecting the company’s commitment to domestic production.

A Decade of Economic Contributions

Over the past 13 years, Blue Creek has not only supplied clean energy but also delivered substantial economic benefits to the region. The project supports 18 full-time jobs dedicated to its ongoing operations and maintenance, contributing to local employment. Furthermore, Blue Creek pays approximately $3 million annually in lease payments to local landowners, directly benefiting the community's economy.

In addition to lease payments, the project has contributed over $30 million in property taxes since its inception. These funds support a variety of public services, enhancing the quality of life for residents in the surrounding areas. Blue Creek’s role as an economic catalyst is further highlighted in Avangrid’s EMPOWERED video series, which showcases how the project has aided local landowners and supported community initiatives, such as the restoration of a historic opera house in the Van Wert community.

The Strategic Alliance: Avangrid and AMP

An Agreement for the Future

The recent Power Purchase Agreement between Avangrid and AMP signifies a strategic alliance aimed at diversifying and stabilizing the energy supply. AMP, a nonprofit wholesale power supplier and services provider, serves over 130 members across nine states. By partnering with Avangrid, AMP aims to provide its members with a cost-effective and diversified power supply resource mix.

Pam Sullivan, AMP COO and AMP Transmission President, emphasized the significance of this agreement in insulating participating member utilities from the volatility of the wholesale energy market. The collaboration with Avangrid aligns with AMP’s mission to offer a reliable and diversified energy portfolio to its 650,000 customers.

A Symbiotic Relationship

The relationship between Avangrid and AMP is built on trust and shared goals. Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra expressed satisfaction with the continued partnership, highlighting Blue Creek’s role in powering homes and businesses throughout the region. This agreement not only ensures a steady supply of renewable energy but also reinforces the long-standing relationship between these two energy giants.

Together, Avangrid and AMP are committed to fostering sustainable energy solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities. By leveraging each other's strengths, they are working towards a future where renewable energy is accessible, reliable, and economically advantageous.

Blue Creek: A Pillar of Renewable Energy in Ohio

A Singular Asset with a Broad Reach

Blue Creek stands as Avangrid's sole energy generation facility in Ohio, yet its impact is far-reaching. The project is a testament to the potential of wind energy in meeting regional energy demands. By producing clean energy on a significant scale, Blue Creek plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.

Avangrid’s commitment to Ohio extends beyond Blue Creek. The company is actively working on the construction of the Powell Creek solar farm, located approximately 30 miles east of Blue Creek. This diversification of energy projects underscores Avangrid’s dedication to expanding its renewable energy footprint in the state.

Community and Environmental Impact

The benefits of the Blue Creek project extend beyond energy production. By supporting local jobs and contributing to public services through tax revenues, the project enhances the socio-economic landscape of the region. Additionally, the environmental impact of Blue Creek is noteworthy; by generating renewable energy, the project helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thus contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

The symbiotic relationship between Blue Creek and the local community is evident in the project’s ongoing contributions to regional development. Through lease payments and support for public services, Blue Creek fosters a sense of community ownership and pride, reinforcing the importance of renewable energy projects in rural areas.

The Broader Implications: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

Avangrid's National Footprint

Avangrid’s influence extends beyond Ohio, with over 75 projects and more than 9 Gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity across 22 states. This extensive network of renewable energy projects highlights Avangrid’s role as a national leader in the transition to sustainable energy sources. The company’s partnerships with 15 Midwest utilities and municipalities further demonstrate its commitment to delivering domestically produced power to those who need it most.

By supplying 1.3 GW of contracted electricity from 17 Midwest energy projects, Avangrid powers approximately 330,000 homes. This substantial contribution to the national energy grid underscores the critical role that renewable energy plays in addressing the challenges of energy demand and climate change.

A Vision for the Future

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the importance of renewable energy cannot be overstated. Avangrid’s efforts in developing and managing renewable energy projects serve as a model for other companies and regions. By prioritizing sustainability and community engagement, Avangrid is paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

The partnership between Avangrid and AMP at Blue Creek exemplifies the potential of collaborative efforts in achieving energy goals. As more organizations recognize the benefits of renewable energy, the transition to a sustainable energy system becomes increasingly attainable. Through strategic alliances, innovative projects, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the vision of a sustainable future is within reach.

The partnership between Avangrid and AMP at Blue Creek not only ensures a reliable energy supply but also contributes to the economic and environmental well-being of rural Ohio communities. As Avangrid continues to expand its renewable energy projects, the company remains at the forefront of the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy future. By harnessing the power of wind, Avangrid and AMP are setting a precedent for the energy industry, demonstrating that renewable energy is not only viable but essential for a sustainable world.