May 27 2008
WindConnect(R) has completed construction of the Harvest Wind Farm, located on 3,200 acres in Huron County, Michigan. Harvest is the first utility-scale wind facility to operate in the state of Michigan.
As general contractor, WindConnect managed construction of the turbine foundations, roadways, underground collection system, and interconnection substation at the site. WindConnect also provided significant site development services to get the site construction-ready. Final commissioning and testing were completed in January 2008, and the system began commercial operation in February 2008.
"Huron County has consistently strong winds for this part of the U.S., making it a prime location for providing renewable energy," says Mark Osten, WindConnect Director of Business Development. "This is a major step forward for Michigan's renewable energy future, and WindConnect is proud to have built this important renewable energy resource for John Deere Wind Energy."
John Deere Wind Energy is the owner and developer of the Harvest Wind Farm. Wolverine Power Cooperative has signed an agreement to purchase the energy produced at the site. Wolverine plans to sell the energy to its member companies and retail customers throughout Michigan.
"John Deere and WindConnect have done an excellent job working with the area residents and officials to make the Harvest Wind Farm a showcase for the community," says Russ Lundberg, Director of Huron County's Building and Zoning Office. "We are very pleased with the way the community was treated and the final product produced by the team."
The Harvest Wind Farm consists of 32 Vestas V82 wind turbines, with a capacity to produce 53 MW of electricity. The development will provide enough power to supply over 14,000 homes, and will save approximately 127,000 tons/year of greenhouse gas emissions from what otherwise would have been produced from fossil generators.
Development of the Harvest Wind Farm is consistent with the Michigan Public Service Commission's 21st Century Energy Plan, which calls for the state to increase energy efficiency and promote renewable energy sources to lower consumer electricity costs. According to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's office, projects such as Harvest are expected to save Michigan citizens billions of dollars on power generation over the next 20 years and set the state on the path to sustainability and energy independence.