RMI releases report on rise of wind power for buyers in South West Power Pool
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has released a report investigating trends around wind purchasing, transmission investments, and market growth for corporate PPAs in the South West Power Pool (SPP).
he report, “Transmission Investments Affect the Value of Your Wind PPA” covers trends in corporate wind power purchase agreements for Central Plains states. It specifically highlights opportunities in the SPP.
“Thanks to low costs and improving technology, wind power has grown dramatically over the past 10 years across Texas and the Midwest,” said Anthony Teixeira, Senior Associate at RMI and author of the report.
“As grid operators have increased transmission investment and improved market structures, they are supercharging the market for wind power – to the benefit of corporate buyers who choose to transact in areas like SPP,” he added.
The report also shares key steps SPP took to unlock the economic opportunities of renewable energy and corporate energy deals, including upgrading of transmission infrastructure and improvement of electricity market structures.
From 2012 through 2014, SPP spent $819 million on transmission projects. SPP estimates this will create $16.6 billion of benefits over 40 years.
