The post-election commentary from national wind energy leaders has highlighted the uncertainty within the industry as Republicans assume control of Congress. Some fear that government incentives for the industry will be scaled back, exacerbating the downtrend during which the pace of new wind installations has slowed to the lowest rate since 2006. While the trend has had some effect on wind farm activity within North Dakota, recent reports indicate new projects are either in the works or proceeding as planned.
The Pipestone County Star in Minnesota reported last week that wind energy developer Project Resources Corporation of Minneapolis is planning four new projects, including their first in North Dakota. The company currently has 13 wind projects in Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Indiana, and Colorado. No details were provided about the exact location of the proposed North Dakota facility.
Meanwhile, another Minnesota company, Duluth-based Minnesota Power, announced last week that it has requested the North Dakota Public Service commission to approve a plan that would reduce the total number of turbines required for phase 2 of the company's Bison Wind Farm under construction in Oliver County. Using new technology, the company believes it can generate the same power with 15 turbines as it could with the 17 originally requested, thereby reducing operating and maintenance costs. This would reduce the total number of turbines for the project from 33 to 31. The PSC plans to hold an informal hearing on Minnesota Power`s request in early December. Read more...
In Mcintosh County, a 200-megawatt wind farm being developed by Maryland-based Competitive Power Ventures is currently in the midst of the permitting process. The company expects construction to begin in mid-2011 and be completed by the end of 2012. The project will use between 67 and 133 wind turbines, depending on the technology chosen and cover over 17,000 acres of land. Read more...
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