February 6, 2016
Michigan

150 more turbines scheduled to go up this year

By Chris Aldridge, Tribune Staff Writer | Huron Daily Tribune | February 5, 2016 | www.michigansthumb.com

BAD AXE – Developers have their eyes set on spring, when they plan to plant another 150 wind turbines in Huron County soil.

Traverse City-based Heritage Energy says it has finalized 14 sites for Gamesa 2.1 megawatt turbines, which will join 10 others built in Rubicon Township in late 2014.

Heritage Vice President of Operations Rick Wilson says the developer has made siting adjustments to minimize impacts to agricultural land and farming operations. He said there are only five or six major landowners taking part in the project, and because it is a rural part of the county, there will be very little impact to residents.

He said Heritage is still waiting for state and federal permits.

“It’s a really well-sited project,” Wilson told county planners Wednesday.

Planners approved the project adjustments.

Project details:

• County officials approved the first 10 turbines, a $50 million project, over two years ago

• The 14 Gamesa turbines are planned at sites northwest of the current 10, 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

Construction timeline:

• Engineering and permitting: January to April

• Begin construction: April

• Turbine deliveries: Early June to August

• Operation: On or before Sept. 15

Developers also plan to start in the spring to add 72 turbines in Huron, Bloomfield, Dwight and Lincoln townships; 30 between McKinley and Winsor townships; and 30 in Colfax, Chandler and Oliver townships.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/02/06/150-more-turbines-scheduled-to-go-up-this-year/