America’s Largest Landowner Announces Renewable Energy Venture

Ted Turner has announced a strategic alliance with Atlanta-based Southern Company to pursue development of renewable energy projects in the Southwestern United States, including his New Mexico land holdings. Turner is the state’s largest landowner.

“I’ve always been passionate about developing renewable energy, and I’m excited to join forces with Southern Company to explore our renewable energy potential,” said Turner, who will pursue the venture through Turner Renewable Energy.

“Southern Company’s experience in power project development, construction and operations, and customer relations help make this a strong alliance, and I look forward to working together,” he added.

Turner Renewable Energy and Southern Company will focus on developing and investing in large scale solar photovoltaic projects in the Desert Southwest with the goal of further commercializing the technology and making it more cost competitive.

“This alliance unites our common goal to explore and develop new renewable energy projects,” said Southern Company CEO David Ratcliffe. “We have said for some time that renewable energy should play an increasing role in this country’s energy mix and that Southern Company would seek opportunities to expand our renewable portfolio where it makes sense. This is evidence of that commitment.”

Tour the Flying D With Ted Turner

Want an opportunity to meet the top gun on The Land Report 100 on one of his many ranches? Now you can, thanks to a Montana fundraiser. Tickets to tour Ted Turner’s 119,000-acre Flying D Ranch are still available, and they’re going for $1,500. Proceeds go to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition; Turner is a board member.

Your $1,500 fee gets you a driving tour of the ranch from the nation’s largest landowner, cocktails on his back porch, and a dinner featuring ranch-raised bison. Turner has the world’s largest private herd of bison, which he raises on the Flying D and markets through his restaurant concept, Ted’s Montana Grill, with over 50 locations in 18 states.

At last report 10 of the 60 tickets remained.

Read more at:
“Enviro Group Plans Fundraiser at Turner Ranch,” Billings Gazette, June 5, 2009.

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