First Wind hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the 26 MW expansion of its Stetson Wind project. State and local officials, students and teachers from a nearby school, and business and community leaders attended the celebration.
‘Not only is the Stetson Wind project currently the largest wind energy project in operation in Maine and New England, but it is also a powerful example of the strong economic impact that these projects can have on the region,’ says Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind.
The first phase of the Stetson Wind project was a 57 MW facility that commenced operation in January 2009. In March 2009, First Wind received approval from the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission to build the 26 MW expansion – the second phase of its Stetson Wind project.
Breaking ground in November 2009, the expansion was managed by Reed & Reed and created about 200 construction jobs to install the 17 additional GE 1.5 MW wind turbines. When combined with the first phase of the project, the Stetson Wind project is now an 83 MW facility. First Wind hires in-state businesses to conduct much of the needed work.
Last year, Harvard University announced that it will purchase half of the power generated by the Stetson Wind II facility, as well as the associated renewable energy certificates.
SOURCE: First Wind
