Utility regulators in Louisiana on Wednesday approved American Electric Power’s (AEP) controversial $4.5bn Wind Catcher Energy Connection, providing much-needed momentum for the largest single-site wind project in the Americas.

Louisiana is the second state to preapprove cost recovery after regulators in neighboring Arkansas last month greenlighted the proposed 800-turbine, 2GW wind farm.

The Texas Public Utility Commission has scheduled a meeting with its three commissioners on 12 July to review the project after prior hearings were held.