Southern Company buys 257MW Texas wind project

US utility Southern Company has acquired a controlling interest in a 257MW wind project in Texas.

Southern Company purchased the Wake Wind Energy Center in the state's northwest from its subsidiary, Southern Power. Invenergy Wind, the project's developer, still holds a minority interest.

In a statement, Southern Company argued that the acquisition fits its strategy of growing its wholesale business through the acquisition and development of assets underpinned by long-term contracts.

Southern Company is in the midst of efforts to diversify its portfolio away from the 73 coal, oil, gas and hydro plants it operates. It generates 9.6GW of electricity, 3.8GW of which are accounted for by renewable capacity it has added since 2012.

Southern Company has been more active in the Texan solar market recently. In July, it purchased the 102MW Lamesa Solar Facility, its third solar project in the state this year. The facility is backed by a 15-year power purchase agreement with the City of Garland.