Wind Capital Group, LLC (Wind Capital) has announced the development of new 150 megawatt (MW) Lost Creek wind farm. The Lost Creek wind farm will be located in DeKalb county, Missouri, and will be developed by Wind Capital. GE Energy will supply 100 of its 1.5 MW wind turbines; ABB will supply 100 electric transformers, which will be made by United Auto Workers (UAW). Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) will purchase all the electricity generated at Lost Creek.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly called the federal stimulus package, included several provisions that encouraged the development of wind energy projects like Lost Creek wind farm. Key among these provisions is the extension of the federal production tax credit, which would have otherwise expired, providing an incentive to construct wind energy projects in 2009 and 2010. The ARRA also established a new, temporary Department of Energy loan guarantee for renewable energy, which has provided better access to lending markets for wind energy providers.
About the Lost Creek Wind Farm
Wind Capital Group will break ground on the Lost Creek Ridge wind farm in August of 2009.
Owned and operated by Wind Capital Group, Lost Creek will sell electricity to AECI.
According to U.S. Department of Energy metrics, the Lost Creek project is expected to create more than 2,500 new jobs.
“Homegrown wind projects like Lost Creek don’t just provide clean energy, they generate manufacturing, construction and maintenance jobs, and new opportunities for farmers, landowners and rural communities. By harnessing the power of wind, we are making a lasting investment in America’s energy infrastructure,” said Wind Capital President Tom Carnahan. “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act gave Wind Capital Group and our investors the confidence to proceed with what will be the largest wind farm in the State of Missouri, and the support of the Administration and Congress for renewable energy has set the table for new investments in wind energy projects across the country. We are very pleased that Vice President Biden will be able to join us to announce the Lost Creek project and to show the Administration’s support for job creation, economic investment, and energy independence for the people of America.”
“Associated Electric Cooperative is committed to providing affordable, renewable energy to our member cooperatives,” said Jim Jura, chief executive officer (CEO) and general manager of AECI. “We realize it takes a mix of resources, including wind, coal and gas plants, hydropower, our aggressive energy efficiency program and, down the road, possibly nuclear energy, to meet rural electric cooperative members’ need for reliable, affordable electricity.”
“This is the fourth Missouri wind farm developed through a partnership between AECI and Wind Capital Group that harvests the wind energy in our cooperative service area and invests in our rural communities,” Jura said.
“We are honored to have Vice President Biden visit us here in Jefferson City where we use American know-how to design and manufacture electrical transformers, which are a key component of the wind energy industry,” said Enrique Santacana, president and CEO of ABB. and head of the company’s North America operations. “As one of the world’s largest suppliers of products, systems and services for the renewable energy industry, we are very excited about the potential of projects like Lost Creek to transform our energy future.”
“The U.S. wind industry has seen tremendous growth over the past 2 years, installing more capacity than during the previous 20 years combined” said Steve Bolze, president of GE Energy’s power & water business. “The short term impact of the stimulus package coupled with a long term solution such as a Federal Renewable Energy Standard will provide the stability required to make the necessary investments in order to meet President Obama’s renewable energy vision. Along with Wind Capital, we are excited about the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the continued growth of the wind industry.”
“This is a great opportunity for members of UAW Local 2379, who have a proud track record of quality production for the power generation industry,” said Jim Wells, director of UAW Region 5, which includes Missouri and 16 other states. “Green industries can and will include good-paying union manufacturing jobs, because that’s how we can grow our economy and protect our environment at the same time.”
“This is an exciting event for RMT, not only because we are designing and constructing this impressive facility, but also because our energy and environmental services are contributing to a sustainable energy infrastructure for America based on renewable natural resources, said Steve Johannsen, RMT, Inc. president. Wind energy projects such as Lost Creek are integral to the growth of our national economy and one of the best options for clean, abundant and renewable power generation. We look forward to helping Missouri achieve its goal of 11% renewable energy by 2020.