Xcel Energy Inc. has signed a deal with enXco to build wind farms in Minnesota and North Dakota that will generate 351 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity. The company announced Friday that the two projects will be in southwestern Minnesota and southeastern North Dakota. The Nobles Wind Project in Minnesota accounts for 201 megawatts and will begin operation at the end of 2010. The Merricourt project accounts for the remaining 150 megawatts and will become operational at the end of 2011.

"Xcel Energy already is the nation’s No. 1 wind power provider, and this agreement advances our commitment to meet aggressive renewable energy requirements," said Richard C. Kelly, Xcel Energy’s chairman, president and CEO in a statement. "We believe our partnership with enXco also will allow us to meet our goals in a cost-effective manner for our customers."

The projects will require $900 million in investment over three years and will be fully transferred to Northern States Power Company (Xcel) upon completion thereof.

In addition to these proposed wind farms, Xcel Energy is aiming to complete contracts for additional Community Based Energy Development (CBED) wind projects in Minnesota. If successful, the individual projects could begin operating in 2009.