Feb 3 2010
Midwest ISO has informed Crownbutte Wind Power that its two 20-MW wind power projects have been fast tracked through the analysis phase and current system planning of the interconnection queue to the final Definitive Planning Phase.
The interconnection system required minimal upgrades for these two wind projects and hence they were the only two projects to be fast tracked among 150 projects in the region. Crownbutte Wind Power could take advantage of the present US Treasury grant program that supports the development of renewable energy due to the fast-tracking of these two wind projects.
The availability of electrical transmission is a significant barrier for the renewable energy sector. With the fast tracking of the interconnection process, Wibaux and Elgin projects have a distinct advantage and start construction as soon as the company is granted an interconnection agreement after finishing the last stage in the queue. The company need not wait for new transmission lines to be constructed.
Source: www.crownbutte.com