The Bent Tree wind farm has the potential to produce up to 400MW of emissions-free energy, which is enough to power approximately 100,000 homes. Wisconsin Power and Light Company’s (WPL) certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) application seeks the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) approval to develop approximately 200MW of wind power on the site beginning in 2009.
A decision regarding the development of the wind farm’s additional 200MW capacity has not yet been made. Pending all regulatory approvals, WPL anticipates 200MW of the Bent Tree wind farm to be commercially operable by the end of 2010.
The initial 200MW phase of the project will cost approximately $450 million to $475 million, excluding allowance for funds used during construction.
Barbara Swan, president of WPL, said: Developing the Bent Tree wind farm is the next logical step in WPL’s commitment to not only wind energy, but all renewable energy. We will continue to seek environmentally friendly alternative sources of energy to complement our baseload generation initiatives, which furthers our goal of providing reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible power to our customers.
