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Bow could be wind farm site |
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Monday, 29 December 2008 |
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By MICHELLE ZLOMKE
Chief Managing Editor
A site near Broken Bow could become the state’s next wind farm by 2010, under proposals being accepted by Nebraska Public Power District.
Dave Rich, renewable energy development director for NPPD, outlined the process for area residents at a meeting in Broken Bow Monday. Rich presented similar information in Petersburg Tuesday, another community tagged as a potential wind farm site.
“We’re going to try and share what our plans our and answer any questions raised,” Rich told the group of about 50 people in Broken Bow.
Last month, NPPD released a request for proposals (RFP) for potential wind energy generation sites near Petersburg and Broken Bow.
The proposals from private developers are due back to NPPD by April 15, 2009.
“They (NPPD directors) will have the decision to take either Petersberg or Broken Bow, choose both or to do no project,” Rich said.
The RFP seeks Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for 80-megawatt wind projects that would be constructed by the end of 2010.
Rich explained that developers would be able to utilize land that they already control or land that NPPD currently has under land options agreements for its current wind studies.
NPPD currently has a land option northeast of Broken Bow. NPPD placed a meteorological tower at the site to study wind potential, Rich said.
The section of land is approximately three miles east of Broken Bow and extends nine miles north to south. In some areas, it is as wide as four miles and as narrow as one mile in some areas.
A private developer has land options west of Broken Bow, Rich said.
He said that NPPD cannot disclose the number of developers that have indicated they will have proposals. However, he said developers must already have secured land options to be considered, or must submit proposals that make use of the NPPD site.
An RFP process in 2007 resulted in the development of two wind energy projects in the state.
Elkhorn Ridge Wind Farm, an 80-megawatt facility north of Bloomfield, is scheduled to be on-line by the end of this year.
The 42-megawatt Crofton Hills Wind Farm, located south of Crofton, is expected to be operational in 2009.
Rich explained that NPPD works private developers, rather than construct and maintain ownership of wind facilities, because private developers can access government financial incentives not available to public power districts.
NPPD will narrow its selection of projects following the April 15 deadline, Rich said. The power district will then spend the next three to four months negotiating with potential developers to finalize proposals.
If proposals move forward in Broken Bow, Petersburg, or both communities, Rich said, NPPD will assist developers in facilitating contracts with landowners.
That means construction on a site could begin prior to the end of 2009, Rich said.
Rich told the Broken Bow audience that new wind facilities will help NPPD reach its goal of producing 20 percent of its energy through renewable resources by 2020.
In upcoming editions, the Custer County Chief will take a closer look at the financial impact wind generation facilities may have on communities, public power customers and its impact on the country’s energy supply.
The Chief will also look at landowners’ role in the development of wind farms, as well as the role of local zoning regulations as proposals move forward. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 January 2009 )
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Huskers.com
