Exelon expands into wind generation

Exelon could become one of largest US wind generators after an $860 million acquisition of John Deere Renewables, but wind advocates remain concerned about the sector's development without a national renewable energy standard

Chicago-based utility Exelon Corporation today announced an agreement to acquire John Deere Renewables, a wind-power operator and developer, in a transaction that will add 735 operating megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to Exelon’s generation portfolio.

This capacity is spread across 36 projects in eight states, and approximately 75% of the operating portfolio has already been sold under long-term power purchase arrangements.

The acquisition, expected to close in the fourth quarter, has been