NorthWestern Energy announced a deal Tuesday to purchase green energy.

The utility company has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Turnbull Hydro, LLC to purchase 13 megawatts of clean, renewable energy, according to a press release. The energy is from a new generating facility located on an existing irrigation canal near Fairfield in Teton County.

“Turnbull is pleased to enter into this agreement with NorthWestern Energy and believes that NorthWestern’s competitive solicitation process enabled all parties to work toward a contract that meets the needs of NorthWestern, ourselves, and the ratepayers,” said Ted Sorenson, Turnbull Hydro, LLC project developer.

Chief Supply Officer John Hines says the facility will provide customers with a stable, reliable source of cost effective electricity that has no carbon emissions. The project helps the company to meet its renewable energy obligations in 2012. 

“This project fits nicely in our portfolio of electric resources,” Hines said.  “This hydro facility will provide our customers with a stable, reliable source of cost effective electricity that has no carbon emissions.”

This hydro project will start generating electricity in 2011 when the irrigation canal begins receiving water and will operate throughout the irrigation season.