NextEra Energy Resources LLC a unit of NextEra Energy Inc. announced the official dedication of the Steele Flats Wind Energy Center, located in Jefferson and Gage counties, Nebraska.

The new wind energy facility is capable of generating 74.8 MW of wind power, enough electricity to meet the energy needs of 19,000 Nebraska homes.

All of the power generated by the Steele Flats Wind Energy Center is being provided to Nebraska Public Power Districtunder a long-term contract. BD is purchasing a portion of the renewable energy credits generated from the Steele Flats Wind Energy Center for the next 20 years to offset 75 percent of the electricity use at its manufacturing facilities in Columbus and Holdrege, Neb.

The Steele Flats Wind Energy Center is located on about 10,500 acres of privately owned agricultural and ranch land. The wind facility is comprised of 44 General Electric turbines that each has the capacity to generate 1.7 MW of energy. The facility entered service in November 2013, two months ahead of schedule.

The project represents a $138 million capital investment and is expected to contribute millions in property taxes and land lease payments over the first 20 years of the plant’s life. The project is owned and operated by an affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources.

Since breaking ground in July 2013, the project employed about 200 construction workers and now supports five full-time jobs. In addition, many local Nebraska businesses contributed to the project through services ranging from materials, equipment, utilities, labor, housing, and food and beverage.