FPL Energy Powers Texas with 11 Wind Farms

Energy Resource, Jan 29, 2007

ENERGY RESOURCE-29 January 2007-FPL Energy Powers Texas with 11 Wind Farms(C)2007 JeraOne - http://www.jeraone.com

FPL Energy LLC, a subsidiary of FPL Group, today said it invested nearly $1 billion in Texas-based wind power in 2006 and currently has 11 wind farms in operation in the state.

With a net capacity of more than 1,600 megawatts, FPL said the wind plants are capable of generating electricity for close to 400,000 Texas homes and generating more than 3.6 million megawatt hours of electrical power.

The wind farms offset fossil-fueled power generation emissions totaling more than 2.3 million tons of carbon dioxide; more than 5,000 tons of sulfur dioxide and over 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxide that would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere. FPL also noted that to produce the same amount of electricity using coal, "you would need nearly 17,000 rail cars full of coal, stretching approximately 117 miles, or the distance from Houston to San Antonio."

"FPL Energy leads the way in Texas with the development and operation of clean, renewable wind energy," said Eric Silagy, vice president of business management for FPL Energy. "Wind is a clean, renewable source of energy that emits no pollutants into the air or water, has a minimal impact on the land and contributes to the economic well-being of local and other communities throughout the state. Wind power can and should play a larger role in our energy independence and helping the environment."

In addition to the environmental benefits, FPL said the 11 wind farms have had "a significant economic impact in the state." In 2006, the 11 wind projects generated tens of millions of dollars in state and local tax payments, salaries, lease payments and locally purchased goods and services, "all helping to revitalize rural communities throughout the state," the energy supplier said.

Texas wind farms are built on crop and grazing land and mesas used for hunting. All of those activities continue on the land leased to FPL Energy affiliates by Texas landowners.

Nationwide, FPL Energy said its fleet of wind turbines generated more than 9.4 million megawatt hours of electricity in 2006. Together, the 49 wind projects offset emissions totaling nearly 6.4 million tons of carbon dioxide, more than 14,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, and more than 9,100 tons of nitrogen oxide.For more information, visit www.FPLEnergy.com.

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