First Wind says it has begun the initial stages of construction on its Palouse Wind project. After nearly four years of preparation and permitting, the project – situated between the town of Oakesdale, Wash., and State Route 195 – is now under way.
With a generating capacity of approximately 105 MW, all of the energy from Palouse Wind will power local homes and businesses through a power purchase agreement with Avista. It will be the first renewable energy project in Whitman County, according to First Wind.
Some of the work expected to be done this fall includes civil construction for the turbine sites, substation pad, laydown areas and road construction. Construction through the winter will depend on weather and site conditions, with turbine erection expected in spring 2012.
