Clean energy is coming to a massive wind farm near you.
Invenergy Wind, which has offices locally, announced this week that it has begun construction of a 30,000-acre wind project near their offices in Breckenridge.
The project, the result of a 20-year agreement with Detroit Edison, will bring clean, renewable energy to the state as well as boost the local economy by providing jobs, millions of dollars in yearly tax revenue and payments to more than 240 landowners.
"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," says 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. The wind farm will be located in the townships of Wheeler, Bethany, Emerson and Lafayette and is expected to employ an estimated 150 skilled construction workers and 15 full-time high-tech workers to operate the facility. In addition, it will feature 125 1.6 megawatt wind turbines and power more than 50,000 homes.
Livonia-based Aristeo Construction will perform all civil, concrete and erection phases for the project. Aristeo has installed, or is under contract to install, nearly 1,000 megawatts of wind energy facilities. The Gratiot County project is Aristeo's first wind project in Michigan.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Jim Shield, Invenergy
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