Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, announced that AT&T has signed a 15-year, 160-MW virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for Frontier Windpower II. Duke Energy Renewables is building the 350-MW Frontier II in Kay County, Oklahoma.

“Frontier II will deliver clean energy for Oklahoma and significant economic benefits to the area,” said Rob Caldwell, president of Duke Energy Renewables. “We’re pleased to be working with AT&T and Ball Corporation on the Frontier II project, which will be located in an area that has some of the best wind resources in the country.”

Ball Corporation previously announced its commitment to Frontier II with a 15-year VPPA for 161 MW of the project.

The project is an expansion of Frontier Windpower, which has been operational since 2016. Once complete, Frontier I and II will generate a total of 550 MW of wind energy — enough to power approximately 193,000 homes.

“Last year we said we were going big on renewable energy, and our virtual power purchase agreement with Duke Energy Renewables reiterates our continued dedication to doing just that,” said Joe Taylor, VP of global infrastructure optimization and implementation, AT&T. “This agreement helps solidify AT&T’s position as one of the largest corporate purchasers of renewable energy in the U.S., and underscores our companywide commitment to helping address climate change and creating a better, more sustainable world.”

Construction for Frontier II is underway, and the wind project will be fully operational by December 2020. During peak construction, the wind project will create approximately 250 jobs. Nordex Group will supply 74 4.8-MW wind turbines for the site.

“The renewable energy agreement with Duke Energy Renewables places Ball among the leading corporate buyers of renewable energy in our industry and the U.S., marking a critical moment in our sustainability journey,” said John A. Hayes, chairman, president and CEO of Ball Corporation. “Utilizing renewable energy is an important lever to further enhance the sustainability credentials of our packaging and demonstrates our commitment to have the aluminum can recognized as the most sustainable package.”

News item from Duke Energy Renewables