Wisconsin Power and Light Co. (WPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp., has purchased the land and development rights to the Bent Tree Wind Farm project in Freeborn County, Minn.
The Bent Tree Wind Farm project was previously owned and developed by Bent Tree Wind LLC. WPL executed a letter of intent to purchase the site in April 2008. The project has the potential to produce up to 400 MW of renewable energy.
WPL filed an application for authority to construct the Bent Tree Wind Farm with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) in June 2008. WPL also filed a site permit application and a certificate of need application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in June 2008. WPL expects both the PSCW and MPUC to issue their rulings on the applications by the middle of this year.
While the wind farm site has the potential to produce up to 400 MW, WPL currently plans to develop 200 MW this year. A decision regarding the development of the wind farm's additional 200 MW has not yet been made.
Pending all regulatory approvals, WPL anticipates 200 MW of the Bent Tree Wind Farm will be in commercial operation by the end of 2010. The 200 MW project will cost approximately $425 to $475 million, excluding allowance for funds used during construction.
SOURCE: Alliant Energy Corp.
