Jan 27 2010
The proposed 51 MW Oakfield Wind project in Aroostook County, Maine by Evergreen Wind Power II has been approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Evergreen Wind Power II is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of First Wind.
The Oakfield Wind project will comprise 34 GE 1.5 MW turbines that possess the capacity to produce sufficient clean and renewable energy to power more than 20,000 households. The construction of the Oakfield Wind project is yet to be determined.
Matt Kearns, First Wind’s Vice President of Development for New England, remarked that the company appreciates the review of this application by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The company is also grateful for the support received from Oakfield and the surrounding communities during the entire process. Kearns added that the company has collaborated with the town of Oakfield to develop a process that will enable residents to raise questions on First Wind’s projects and also about wind power. The company is hoping to develop this partnership as it works toward making the Oakfield Wind project a reality.
The company and the town worked together to establish the Oakfield Wind Energy Review Committee in the year 2009. A 45-page report was drafted by this committee based on the inputs received from the public. This report was approved by the town’s Board of Selectmen. Alec Jarvis, Project Developer, referred to the Oakfield Wind project as a better project because of the inputs received from the town.
A number of construction jobs are expected to be created by the Oakfield Wind project including substantial revenue to the surrounding communities. An example for this is the Stetson Wind project. First Wind spent $50 million with Maine-based businesses and more than 350 workers were employed during the construction of the 57 MW Stetson Wind project in Washington County. The Stetson Wind project has been in operation since January 2009. Similar benefits are expected from the Oakfield Wind project to the region.
The 42 MW Mars Hill Wind project in Aroostook County and the Stetson Wind project are owned and operated by First Wind. In November 2009, First Wind started construction on a 25.5 MW expansion to the Stetson Wind project.
Source: http://www.firstwind.com/