April 16, 2015
Michigan

NextEra asks Fairgrove Twp. for special use permit

By Mary Drier, Staff Writer | Tuscola County Advertiser | April 16, 2015 | www.tuscolatoday.com

FAIRGROVE – The company that built the first and second wind farms in Tuscola County is studying the possible development of a third.

The Fairgrove Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, regarding NextEra’s Energy Resources’ request for a special land use permit to place two anemometers (meteorological towers) with one in Section 21 and the other near Ringle Road in Section 23 near Deckerville Road.

The company’s special use application is available for review at the township hall during regular business hours. Also, the application is available to be viewed on-line at spicerplanning.wordpress.com.

Written comments regarding the request can be mailed before the hearing to the Fairgrove Township Planning Commission Chair Carl Childs, 5002 Center St., Fairgrove, MI, 48733.

NextEra completed the second wind farm, Tuscola Wind II Energy Center, in November 2013. That wind farm is located in the townships of Akron, Fairgrove, Gilford, and Juniata. There are 38 turbines in Fairgrove Township, 10 in Akron Township, and 11 in Gilford Township, and a collection site in Juniata Township to connect to the ITC power lines.

That wind farm has a total of 1003 MW, which is enough capacity to supply about 45,000 homes with electricity.

Tuscola Wind II is east of NextEra’s Tuscola – Bay wind Energy Farm with its 68 turbines in Gilford Township and seven in Saginaw County, which became operational in December 2012.

NextEra is the largest wind generator in North America with 85 facilities in operation.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/04/16/nextera-asks-fairgrove-twp-for-special-use-perm/