US-based Clearway Energy Group has secured a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) for wind energy from the Haymaker wind farm in Montana.

With a planned capacity of 315MW, the facility in Wheatland and Meagher counties is currently under development.

The Haymaker wind farm will generate sufficient electricity to power 116,000 homes annually.

Clearway Origination senior vice-president Valerie Wooley stated: “We are proud to partner with Puget Sound Energy in delivering low-cost clean energy to their customers and supporting their ambitious renewable energy goals.

“Reinforced by the Inflation Reduction Act, Haymaker represents a major investment in central Montana’s economy, and we’re eager to work with the community through development, construction and our long-term stewardship of the project.”

The development of Haymaker will bring substantial economic benefits to the local community.

It is estimated to deliver millions in payments to landowners and contribute $100m in property tax revenue throughout the project's lifespan.

The construction phase of the wind farm, set to commence in 2026, will create hundreds of union jobs.

Following construction, a permanent local workforce will be tasked with the operation and maintenance of the site, further contributing to the local economy.

The project is expected to come online by 2028.

PSE energy resources senior vice-president Ron Roberts stated: “This agreement with Clearway helps us meet some of the most ambitious laws in the nation while delivering on our customer’s expectations for energy that is clean as well as safe, reliable and affordable.

“We are proud to be a partner in developing Montana’s wind resources and this is yet another milestone in our continued investment in the state’s energy economy.”