October 13, 2015
Michigan

Developers outline their current wind projects

By Chris Aldridge, Tribune Staff Writer | Huron Daily Tribune | October 13, 2015 | www.michigansthumb.com

BAD AXE – Wind energy developers recently updated county planners on the status of current projects. Here’s a roundup of what they said:

Deerfield Wind: Colorado-based RES Americas has started building 72 turbines in north and northeastern parts of the county, the second park the developer has undertaken in the county. RES plans to finish the 150-megawatt project by the end of next year.

Project details:

• County officials deemed suitable more than 24,000 acres in the project area for development in 2011

• About 220 landowners signed up to participate

• The 72 Vestas turbines would power 50,000 to 60,000 homes, according to RES

• Cadillac-based Wolverine Power Cooperative is the power purchaser

• Turbines would stand 492 feet from ground to blade tip

• Every landowner within 2,100 feet of a turbine would receive payments, even those with or without turbines, according to RES

Big Turtle: Traverse City-based Heritage Energy wants to add 15 turbines to its Big Turtle Wind Farm in Rubicon Township, which currently has 10 turbines. The developer says it is still confident the 15 turbines will be added by the end of next year, though it is looking for a power purchaser because another didn’t materialize.

Project details:

• County officials approved the $50 million project for the first 10 turbines two years ago

• The 15 Gamesa turbines, at two megawatts each, are planned at sites northwest of the current 10 turbines, between Filion and Kinde roads in Rubicon and Bloomfield townships

• The expansion would cover about 3,840 acres

• The 25 turbines would contribute 50 megawatts

Pinnebog: DTE Energy has been given conditional approval to build 30 turbines in Chandler, Oliver and Colfax townships, unofficially dubbed the “Pinnebog Wind Project.” According to Oliver Township Planning Chair Brion Dickens, DTE is set to build and planners will review zoning this week.

Minnesota-based Geronimo Energy plans about 30 turbines in western Huron County, with construction starting next year. Consumers Energy recently announced it would purchase power from the 100-megawatt, Apple Blossom wind project.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/10/13/developers-outline-their-current-wind-projects/