First Wind, an independent developer of wind power in North America, today announced it has filed its Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permit applications to build a proposed 60 megawatt (MW) wind project near Lincoln, Me., as well as a Maine Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) permit to build a 25.5 MW expansion of the near-completed Stetson Wind project outside of Danforth, Me.
First Wind filed its permit application for the 60 MW Rollins Wind project with the DEP on Thursday October 30th, 2008. The company filed a similar permit application with LURC for the Stetson Wind expansion on Tuesday November 4th, 2008.
“Maine is an exciting place to do business, and we’re pleased to continue our investment in Maine’s economy,” said Matt Kearns, VP of Development for New England. “The Stetson Wind project has already had a significant impact on the local economy. Thus far, more than $50 million has been spent with 130 Maine businesses, including 35 Lincoln companies, during the development and construction of the Stetson project.
“We expect that as we develop and build more projects, there will be similar benefits to the local and regional economies,” Kearns added.
If these projects receive their permits, the development of clean, renewable energy will bring new jobs and environmental and economic benefits to the state, Washington and Penobscot Counties, and most importantly to the Lincoln and Danforth areas. We are looking forward to continuing our work with members of the local communities to make it happen.”
The proposed Rollins Wind project will be located in the towns of Lincoln, Burlington, Lee, Winn and Mattawamkeag, and will consist of 40 GE 1.5 MW turbines that can produce enough energy to power more than 23,000 homes.
The proposed expansion of the Stetson project adjacent to the existing Stetson project will consist of 17 GE 1.5 MW turbines. The original 57 MW Stetson project, with 38 wind turbines, is nearing completion.
In addition to its projects in development in Penobscot/ Washington Counties and the Stetson project currently under construction in Washington County, First Wind owns and operates the 42 MW Mars Hill Wind in Aroostook County, which is the largest utility-sized operating wind farm in New England.
About First Wind
First Wind is an independent North American wind energy company focused exclusively on the development, ownership and operation of wind energy projects. First Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts. For more information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com. ###
For more information, contact:
John Lamontagne
Director, Communications
First Wind
617-964-3340
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