What's New
Second Wind Farm Announced
It's not yet built, but the energy generated by developers of Missouri's first utility-scale wind farm has led to the development of a second wind farm in northwest Missouri.
Less than six months after announcing the state's first commercial wind farm, Wind Capital Group, John Deere Wind Energy and Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. said today Missouri's second 50-megawatt wind farm will be constructed in Atchison County, Mo.
The 50-megawatt Cow Branch Wind Energy Project will be located between Rock Port and Tarkio, Mo., which is about 50 miles from the site where construction is under way on the first project: the Bluegrass Ridge Wind Farm near King City, Mo., in Gentry County.
"The energy needs of Associated Electric's member cooperatives are growing," said Jim Jura, CEO and general manager of Associated. "We are committed to finding clean, low-cost generating resources to meet the growth on our members' systems. This renewable energy project does that while also helping us meet our commitment to protect the environment."
Similar to the first wind farm, the Cow Branch project will consist of 24, Suzlon S-88 2.1-MW turbines. Combined, the two farms can produce 100 MW. That's enough power for about 30,000 homes. The electricity will be purchased by Associated and distributed to its member-owners: six generation and transmission cooperatives that serve 51 local distribution cooperatives in Missouri, southeast Iowa and northeast Oklahoma.
Construction on the Cow Branch project will begin in early 2007, and wind turbines are expected to arrive in the spring. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.
"Missouri farmers, Missouri electric cooperatives and John Deere continue to lead the way toward more energy independence for our country," said Tom Carnahan, project developer and president of Wind Capital Group of St. Louis. "I'm pleased to work again with a team focused on serving the renewable energy interests of Missouri," he said. "Capturing clean, renewable wind energy provides a source of affordable electricity, and locating the wind farms in rural areas benefits Missouri landowners and helps strengthen our farming communities."
"I applaud the creation of this second large wind-power installation in Missouri," said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "This renewable energy project helps meet our energy needs by using resources that we have right here in Missouri. This will benefit Missouri farmers and communities by improving environmental quality and by keeping money in Missouri's economy."
Project financing is being provided by John Deere Wind Energy, the Johnson, Iowa-based unit of Deere & Company, the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment.
"We're very excited to once again have the opportunity to participate in a project that provides such significant benefits to the community and AECI member cooperatives," said David A. Drescher, vice president of John Deere Credit. "In addition to the many economic benefits, it's equally gratifying to know that these projects are environmentally friendly and represent a positive step in making the U.S. more self sufficient relative to its energy needs."
About 35 Atchison County landowners are involved in the project, which will span more than 7,000 acres. Landowners will receive annual lease payments for hosting turbines, and the county will see an expanded tax base and job creation.
Local farmer and landowner Steve Joesting was most interested in the economic benefits that a wind farm will provide to the area. "It strengthens the school funding where my children go to school," Joesting said. "The lease payments are welcome, but the bigger issue is what this does for our area's economics."
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For more information on items in this section contact Ann Foster, Director of Communications, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, (515) 727-8945 or afoster@iowarec.org.
Less than six months after announcing the state's first commercial wind farm, Wind Capital Group, John Deere Wind Energy and Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. said today Missouri's second 50-megawatt wind farm will be constructed in Atchison County, Mo.
The 50-megawatt Cow Branch Wind Energy Project will be located between Rock Port and Tarkio, Mo., which is about 50 miles from the site where construction is under way on the first project: the Bluegrass Ridge Wind Farm near King City, Mo., in Gentry County.
"The energy needs of Associated Electric's member cooperatives are growing," said Jim Jura, CEO and general manager of Associated. "We are committed to finding clean, low-cost generating resources to meet the growth on our members' systems. This renewable energy project does that while also helping us meet our commitment to protect the environment."
Similar to the first wind farm, the Cow Branch project will consist of 24, Suzlon S-88 2.1-MW turbines. Combined, the two farms can produce 100 MW. That's enough power for about 30,000 homes. The electricity will be purchased by Associated and distributed to its member-owners: six generation and transmission cooperatives that serve 51 local distribution cooperatives in Missouri, southeast Iowa and northeast Oklahoma.
Construction on the Cow Branch project will begin in early 2007, and wind turbines are expected to arrive in the spring. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.
"Missouri farmers, Missouri electric cooperatives and John Deere continue to lead the way toward more energy independence for our country," said Tom Carnahan, project developer and president of Wind Capital Group of St. Louis. "I'm pleased to work again with a team focused on serving the renewable energy interests of Missouri," he said. "Capturing clean, renewable wind energy provides a source of affordable electricity, and locating the wind farms in rural areas benefits Missouri landowners and helps strengthen our farming communities."
"I applaud the creation of this second large wind-power installation in Missouri," said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "This renewable energy project helps meet our energy needs by using resources that we have right here in Missouri. This will benefit Missouri farmers and communities by improving environmental quality and by keeping money in Missouri's economy."
Project financing is being provided by John Deere Wind Energy, the Johnson, Iowa-based unit of Deere & Company, the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment.
"We're very excited to once again have the opportunity to participate in a project that provides such significant benefits to the community and AECI member cooperatives," said David A. Drescher, vice president of John Deere Credit. "In addition to the many economic benefits, it's equally gratifying to know that these projects are environmentally friendly and represent a positive step in making the U.S. more self sufficient relative to its energy needs."
About 35 Atchison County landowners are involved in the project, which will span more than 7,000 acres. Landowners will receive annual lease payments for hosting turbines, and the county will see an expanded tax base and job creation.
Local farmer and landowner Steve Joesting was most interested in the economic benefits that a wind farm will provide to the area. "It strengthens the school funding where my children go to school," Joesting said. "The lease payments are welcome, but the bigger issue is what this does for our area's economics."
________________________________________________
For more information on items in this section contact Ann Foster, Director of Communications, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, (515) 727-8945 or afoster@iowarec.org.
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