Elk River, MN, Dec. 01, 2005 — Great River Energy announced that it has begun taking power from the Trimont area wind farm (TAWF). The 100-megawatt (MW) wind energy development located near Jackson, Minnesota began commercial operation on Tuesday, November 29. The project is expected to generate renewable energy equivalent to the annual electric consumption of 29,000 homes served by Great River Energy’s 28 member cooperatives.
Currently, with the TAWF output, the renewable content of Great River Energy’s energy portfolio is approximately 5 percent.
The TAWF consists of 67 General Electric wind turbines situated on approximately 8,900 acres of farm land. TAWF was launched by a coalition of 43 landowners in Jackson and Martin counties. The group responded to a Great River Energy request for proposals in 2003. TAWF was selected because of its competitive price, its access to interconnection facilities, and its ability to deliver the power to Great River Energy’s member cooperatives. Subsequent to its selection by Great River Energy, TAWF chose PPM Energy to develop, build and operate the project on its behalf.
This project provides more benefit to landowners than the typical wind project. Landowners benefit from revenue participation, as well as from traditional easement payments. In addition, production tax revenues from the project for Jackson and Martin counties are expected to range from $350,000-$400,000 annually.
