Nebraskautility the Omaha Public PowerDistrict is looking for bidders to provide the utility between 1 MWand 400 MW of renewable power capacity, according to a request for proposalsreleased by OPPD July 18.
TheRFP would lead to a doubling of the utility's level of renewable power. As ofthe end of 2015, OPPD had 416.5 MW of wind and landfill gas capacity, accordingto a company fact sheet. Much of that wind power comes from participationagreements OPPD has with independently owned wind farms such as 's facility inNebraska. OPPD is also expecting to buy 400 MW from 's windfacility, which is under construction in Nebraska. The utility directly ownsjust 7.1 MW of renewable capacity, mostly biomass, according to S&P GlobalMarket Intelligence data.
The RFP calls for power from a renewable energy project thatcan begin commercial operations between June 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2020.
OPPDis interested in signing a contract with a 10-year term length, according to adata form released along with the RFP.
Theutility has had recent motivation to find new sources of power due to its boardof directors' June vote to retire the Fort Calhoun nuclear plant because the reactorwas operating at a loss. Fort Calhoun provides about 26% of OPPD's energy,compared to 27% from wind and 44% from coal, according to figures presented atthe meeting in which the board decided to close Fort Calhoun.
Butthe goal
"The extension of safe harboring of projects hascreated market opportunities," Jones said.