The independent wind energy company, First Wind reported that it has received approval for expanding its proposed Oakfield Wind project in Maine. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has granted the approval.
The original proposal was for 51 MW, which the Maine DEP had earlier approved in January 2010. With the intention of expanding the Oakfield project, in June 2011 First Wind had submitted an amendment to increase the project size to 150 MW.
The wind project comprises 50 wind turbines each of 3.0 MW capacity. The energy generated is sufficient to produce power for over 48,000 residences. The project is situated at a distance of around 2.5 miles from Oakfield. First Wind has worked along with the town for four years to gain input from the community regarding the project. It has provided the necessary resources for the Town to employ engineers, lawyers and sound experts for both the original and amended proposals.
First Wind is collaborating with numerous Maine companies including, James W. Sewall Company and SGC Engineering for developing the Oakfield Wind project. The company has so far invested more than $10 million in the project. For the community, significant revenue and over 300 construction jobs are expected to be created.
Oakfield town will gain tax revenues of $14.7 million and additional community benefit payments of $12 million over a period of 20 years. The town intends to use the funds for various projects including, a public safety building, salt shed, fire trucks, local road reconstruction, scholarships and recreational trails.
Source: http://www.firstwind.com/