Scottish wind in NY

ScottishPower subsidiary,

, and its joint venture partner, Zilkha Renewable Energy of Houston, are to build and own a windfarm in upstate

.

The so-called ‘Maple Ridge’ windfarm is expected to be 198 MW, nearly quadrupling the total installed wind capacity in New York.

PPM's is to invest $160 million in the 120-turbine windfarm, which is expected to be completed by December 2005.

The state of New York recently enacted legislation requiring 25% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2013, the highest such renewable portfolio standard in the US. And the Maple Ridge farm has already sold renewable energy certificates (RECs) under a 10-year contract to the state.

PPM controls about 830 MW of operating wind energy, and previously announced three other projects totalling 325 MW earlier in the year. Along with the Maple Ridge Windfarm, these projects will bring PPM's total wind portfolio to approximately 1,255 MW by the end of 2005, well on target toward its goal of at least 2,300 MW online by 2010.

The Goldman Sachs Group recently announced plans to acquire ScottishPower’s partner Zilkha Renewable Energy, subject to regulatory approvals.