Duke Energy is expanding its renewable energy portfolio through a contract to purchase 100 wind turbines from General Electric.

The turbines, capable of generating a total of 150 megawatts, are anticipated to be in service in the 2009-2010 timeframe on sites currently under review in the western and southwestern United States.

The company’s wind generation assets are managed by Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), a Duke Energy subsidiary that focuses on renewable energy, commercial power and onsite energy across the United States.

“Growing our wind power portfolio underscores our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across the United States,” said DEGS President Wouter van Kempen.

Earlier this year, DEGS acquired the development assets of Tierra Energy, a wind power development company located in Austin, Texas. The purchase included more than 1,000 megawatts of wind assets under development in the western and southwestern United States. Three of the projects in development – a total of approximately 240 megawatts – are located in Texas and Wyoming, and are anticipated to be in commercial operation in late 2008 or early 2009.

“Our agreement with General Electric increases our investment in the wind business and further expands Duke Energy’s renewable energy fleet,” said David Marks, DEGS senior vice president for wind energy development.

Terms of the contract with General Electric were not disclosed.

Tags: Duke Energy, General Electric