Xcel Energy SW Minn. wind farm operational

Xcel Energy has completed its second wind power project in Minnesota.

The Minneapolis-based utility says its new Nobles Wind Farm in southwestern Minnesota is now operating and supplying electricity to the regional transmission grid.

The 201-megawatt wind farm is located in Nobles County. It consists of 134 wind turbines that together can generate enough power to serve about 66,500 homes.

Xcel Energy also owns Grand Meadow Wind Farm in southeastern Minnesota. A third company-owned wind project, the 150-megawatt Merricourt Wind Project, is being developed in southeastern North Dakota and is expected to be operational in late 2011.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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