The Navajo Nation plans to develop 500 megawatts (MW) of wind energy on its lands in Arizona, creating what would be the state’s first commercial wind farm.
Navajo Nation President Joseph Shirley signed an agreement to form a joint venture between Boston-based Citizens Energy Corp and Dine Power Authority, the Navajo’s wholesale energy enterprise.
The Navajos will have an ownership stake in the venture, called Citizens Enterprise Corp., and will be able to acquire a majority stake through additional equity investment, according to a statement released by the Navajo nation.
According to Navajo Nation spokesman Deswood Tome, as many as 300 wind turbines will be erected in several locations between Flagstaff and Tuba City, Arizona, with first-phase completion expected in about three years.
Citizens Energy said it has agreed to reinvest some of its profits on the Navajo Nation.
A statement from the Navajo Nation said the Dine Wind Project could produce between $60 million and $100 million in total revenue for the Navajo Nation, not including wind jobs and environmental benefits.
Under the leadership of Shirley, the Navajo Nation has been seeking to build a 1,500 MW coal-fired power plant for a number of years. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency has denied the air permit for the $3 to $4 billion plant proposed in conjunction with Sithe Global Power, LLC.
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