BP starts new wind farm in Texas

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FORT STOCKTON, Texas, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- British energy company BP announced that it began full-scale commercial operations at a 60-turbine wind farm in west Texas.

BP Wind Energy joined state and local officials in a ceremony to start commercial operations at the Sherbino 2 wind farm.

U.S. Rep. Francisco Canseco, R-Texas, said renewable energy projects would reduce the dependency on fossil fuels in a cost-effective way.

"We can create a lot of energy right here in Texas and projects like the Sherbino 2 wind farm will ensure that we don't miss opportunities to make America more energy independent," he said in a statement.

BP estimates the 60-turbine wind farm, on a 20,000-acre site in Pecos County, can generate enough electricity to meet the demands of 45,000 homes.

John Graham, president and chief executive officer at BP Wind Energy, said there were significant economic benefits in the domestic wind energy sector.

"Texas is a leader in promoting renewable power generation and this aligns well with BP's commitment to produce essential sources of energy and provide cost-competitive power to our customers," he said.