Heritage gets local nod for 20-MW wind plan in Michigan

Oct 10, 2013 - Michigan-based wind power producer Heritage Sustainable Energy on Tuesday received an important approval locally that allows it to start work on the 20-MW Big Turtle wind project in its home state.

The Huron County Board of Commissioners unanimously greenlighted the decommissioning plan for the wind farm. The project has also received conditional approval for the site plan that includes restrictions on the turbine height and details on the zoning requirements.

The Huron Daily Tribune cited Rick Wilson, vice president of operations at Heritage Energy, as saying that 98% of landowners in the wind farm’s area are supporting the project. The developer has promised to source from Michigan 50% of the equipment and labour for the Big Turtle plant.

In mid-September Spanish wind turbine maker Gamesa (MCE:GAM) said it had won an order to supply 10 pieces of its G114-2.0 MW machine for the project. It will also operate and maintain the facility for 12 years.

Earlier in September US-based DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) said it would buy the wind farm’s output under a 20-year power purchase agreement. The 10 turbines at the site will be commissioned near the end of 2014. The wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity for about 9,000 households.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!