November 21, 2013
Alabama

Wind farm developer Pioneer Green announces two events this week

By William Thornton | November 21, 2013 | al.com

CENTRE, Alabama – Pioneer Green Energy, the Texas-based firm developing two wind farm projects in Etowah and Cherokee counties, has announced its participation in two events this week company representatives say will give out more information about the projects.

Patrick Buckley, development manager for the two projects, will speak at “Renew Alabama: A Night of Positive Energy” in Birmingham tonight. The event, which will highlight wind, solar and green energy projects, will take place at Avondale Brewing beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The company is also one of the sponsors of the inaugural Cherokee County Agricultural Fair Friday and Saturday, and will host an information booth. A news release said the booth will provide information about the proposed Shinbone and Noccalula Wind Energy Centers, and there will be a wind turbine Lego set available for raffle.

Buckley said last week following a meeting of the Etowah County Commission that the $40 million Cherokee County project, which calls for seven to eight turbines, probably would not begin construction until 2015. The larger Etowah County project, which has a projected 30 to 45 turbines costing $160 million, probably would begin no earlier than the end of 2015.

The events are among several initiatives the company has undertaken over the last few months to gain support for the projects. Earlier this year, the company hosted two open house events in Etowah and Cherokee counties. In October, Pioneer Green announced a partnership with the Cherokee County Board of Education involving scholarships and a wind energy simulator for schools.

Pioneer Green announced earlier this year its intention to develop the two projects, which are now the subject of lawsuits in both counties. Landowners in both Etowah and Cherokee counties are suing to stop the projects, claiming they will disrupt the area’s natural beauty and destroy property values.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/21/wind-farm-developer-pioneer-green-announces-two-events-this-week/