UPC Wind, a leading North American wind power company, today announced major progress for its proposed 40 megawatt (MW) Sheffield Wind Project, in Sheffield, Vermont. With the promise to provide revenue and new jobs for the surrounding area, the project has received its Certificate of Public Good from the Vermont Public Service Board. “We are pleased that the Public Service Board has recognized the value of this proposed project in providing clean and affordable energy for Vermont,” said Paul Gaynor, President and CEO of UPC Wind. “We listened closely to the public and agency comments on the project and have made multiple adjustments. These changes reflect the input of the surrounding community and several state agencies.” UPC Wind worked with a number of Vermont agencies and communities over the past 18 months to minimize the size and environmental impact of the Sheffield Wind project. With a focus on balancing all interests, the location of the project has been adjusted three times and different wind turbines selected to optimize the output from fewer turbines. The proposed location for the project is a relatively low-lying ridgeline in Sheffield, not far from Interstate-91. It will be located on lands that are under active forest management. “We greatly appreciate the support of agency officials in helping pioneer this process,” said Matt Kearns, UPC Wind’s Project Manager. “We also appreciate the support that officials and citizens of the Town of Sheffield have demonstrated for this project; modifications to our original design based on their input have contributed to a better project.” Building on this most recent milestone, UPC Wind will now move forward with opening an office in the Town of Sheffield and focus on finalizing construction plans. UPC Wind will also closely watch the Vermont legislature’s deliberations over tax incentives for renewable energy projects. “While the Certificate of Public Good is a significant milestone, clarifying state legislation regarding the tax rate on renewable energy projects remains a key component to this project becoming a viable part of Vermont’s energy portfolio,” added Kearns. “Passage of legislation supporting wind farm development will put Vermont on track as a leader in renewable energy.” UPC Wind also worked with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to address potential issues with birds and bats that are unique to wind energy projects. UPC Wind has already completed several studies and is committed to operating the project in a manner which should further reduce potential impacts to birds and bats. In addition, 2,700 acres surrounding the project will be conserved as bear habitat. Upon completion, the Sheffield Wind Project will: - Consist of the construction and operation of 16 state-of-the-art Clipper Liberty 2.5 megawatt (MW) wind turbines.
- Employ up to 75 people during the design, engineering and construction of the facility, with the potential for local employment on road, foundation and electrical line construction work.
- Produce approximately 115,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually – enough to power all of the homes in Caledonia County.
In addition to increasing domestic energy production and increasing energy security, wind power is considered cost competitive with conventional sources of electricity, such as oil or gas. Unlike traditional polluting sources of energy, wind has no fuel cost, therefore serving as a natural hedge against volatile fuel prices, which in most markets in the US constitutes a significant portion of monthly electricity bills. Wind power does not emit greenhouse gases or other damaging pollutants. About First Wind
First Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts. First Wind is an American-owned company, with a proven track record of developing, owning, and operating well-sited, community-friendly wind farms that increase energy independence. For more information on First Wind, please visit http://www.firstwind.com
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For more information, contact:
John Lamontagne
Director, Communications
First Wind
617-964-3340
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