First wind gets approval for 51MW Oakfield Wind Project in Maine

[jpak]

http://www.newstatesman.com/energy-and-clean-tech/2010/01/wind-project-oakfield-maine

Evergreen Wind Power II, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of First Wind, has received an approval from the Maine department of environmental protection (DEP) for its proposed 51MW Oakfield wind project in Aroostook county, Maine.
Situated in the town of Oakfield, Maine, the Oakfield wind project will consist of 34GE 1.5MW turbines that have the capacity to produce clean, renewable energy to power more than 20,000 homes. Start of construction on the project is yet to be determined.


Matt Kearns, vice president of development of First Wind for New England, said: "We appreciate the review of this application by the Maine DEP. We are grateful for the support we received from Oakfield and the surrounding communities during the process.

<snip>

The Oakfield wind project is expected to create numerous construction jobs and provide revenue to the surrounding communities. First Wind spent $50m on Maine-based businesses and employed over 350 workers during the construction of Stetson Wind, a 57MW project in Washington county that has been in operation since January 2009. The Oakfield wind project is expected to provide similar types of benefits to the region, the company said.

<more>