Invenergy Begins Construction On Gratiot County Wind Project Near Breckenridge, Michigan
CHICAGO, Illinois (December 7, 2010) – Invenergy Wind announced today that it has begun construction of a 200 MW, 30,000-acre wind project in Gratiot County, Michigan that will contribute to the local economy by providing jobs, millions of dollars in yearly tax revenue to the county and local municipalities, and payments to landowners. Through a 20-year agreement with Detroit Edison, the project will bring clean, renewable energy to the people of Michigan and help the state meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).
“The Gratiot County wind farm will bring significant, long-term economic and environmental benefits to the people of central Michigan,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “Wind energy is an important part of our state’s clean energy plan and it is expected to bring 30,000 jobs to Michigan by 2030. Since passage of the state’s renewable energy standard in 2008, more than 17 companies – including Invenergy – have launched wind energy-related businesses in Michigan.”
“This wind farm is the result of a great alliance between citizens, local business and community leaders, and local and state officials, who joined together to support Invenergy in our efforts to provide renewable energy and contribute to the area’s economic development,” said Jim Shield, Invenergy’s Executive Vice President of Development. “We look forward to a strong partnership with our host community.”
Invenergy expects turbines to be delivered in the spring of 2011, with construction slated for completion in late 2011. Livonia, Michigan-based Aristeo Construction will perform all civil, concrete and erection phases for the project. Long associated with its work in the auto industry, Aristeo began ten years ago to diversify its focus by attracting non-automotive industrial & power generation clients. Aristeo now has installed, or is under contract to install, nearly 1,000MW of wind energy facilities. The Gratiot County project is Aristeo’s first wind project in its home state.
Located near the town of Breckenridge in the townships of Wheeler, Bethany, Emerson, andLafayette, the energy center will:
Employ an estimated 150 skilled construction workers
Employ 15 full-time high-tech workers to operate the facility upon completion
Contribute to the area’s economic development through property tax payments, which can be used for schools, fire and police protection, road repair, and other area improvements.
Support the local economy through substantial yearly lease payments to more than 240 landowners, thereby helping preserve prime farmland for future generations
Feature 125 1.6 MW GE wind turbines
Power more than 50,000 Michigan homes with clean, renewable power
Help Michigan meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandates that 10% of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by 2015. The RPS was passed bythe state legislature and signed into law by Governor Granholm in the fall of 2008.
“We are proud that Invenergy chose Gratiot County as the host community for this wind farm, which will provide clean energy to Michigan consumers,” said Gratiot County Board Chairman Mark Knowles. “This is an important time for our county, as construction begins on a project that is a new source of jobs and tax revenue.”
In addition to starting construction on the wind farm site, Invenergy also has established a local office, located at 228 East Saginaw Street in Breckenridge.
About Invenergy
Invenergy and its affiliated companies develop, own and operate large-scale renewable andother clean energy generation facilities in North America and Europe. Invenergy is committed to clean power alternatives and continued innovation in electricity generation. Invenergy's homeoffice is located in Chicago and it has regional development offices throughout the United Statesand in Canada and Europe.
Invenergy and its affiliated companies have developed and placed in service nineteen wind farms and five natural gas-fueled generating facilities. The aggregate capacity of these facilities is approximately five thousand megawatts, which can provide enough power for approximately two million homes. Invenergy is one of the top six largest owners of wind generating facilities inthe United States, according to the American Wind Energy Association.