FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2002, file photo, turbines blow in the wind at an Xcel Energy wind farm located on the border of Colorado and Wyoming south of Cheyenne, Wyo. Xcel announced Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, it is considering closing down two coal-fired generating units in Pueblo, Colorado, and replacing their output with power from a mix of wind, solar and natural gas. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

DENVER | A utility company is moving ahead with plans for a wind energy project on the eastern Colorado plains.

Xcel Energy-Colorado plans to complete the 500-megawatt Cheyenne Ridge Wind Project in December 2020. The $743 million project will cover some 150 square miles (400 square kilometers) in Cheyenne and Kit Carson counties.

The Denver Post reports Xcel has selected Minneapolis-based development company Mortenson to build the wind farm. Mortenson previously built the 600-megawatt Rush Creek Wind Project in eastern Colorado.

Denmark-based Vestas will supply 229 wind turbines for Cheyenne Ridge.

Xcel Energy proposes to eliminate all of its carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. Colorado officials seek to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent of 2005 levels by 2050.

Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com

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