With dry, hot weather, work crews busy with the Prairie Breeze Wind Energy farm south of Elgin made good progress last week.
“Construction is moving right along, thanks to a great crew of more than 230 workers on site. As September starts, we’re progressing well toward our goal of commencing commercial operations at Prairie Breeze Wind during the first quarter of next year. Invenergy appreciates the support from – and patience of – folks in the local community, as various turbine components continue to be delivered to the project site,” said James Williams, Business Development Manager.
Overall Project Update
• Turbine erection is going well with 18 WTG’s installed as of the end of August.
• Blades will start to arrive this month, with rotor installation slated for later in the fall. It takes one day to build the rotor on the ground, and then 2-4 hours of good weather to hang it on the turbine.
• Transmission Line foundation installation and clearing operations are underway, with approximately 60 poles set. Completion is expected in November.
• Main power transformers are scheduled for delivery in early September. Project Substation scheduled for completion by November.
• POI Substation construction scheduled for completion in October.
On a related matter, during the past week, workers hired to move the home began the process of moving it off the property belonging to the Elgin Area Development Corporation which will be leased to Invenergy. Work is expected to begin this month on construction of the operations center.
As for the home, occupant Linda Mack is seeking a conditional use permit for the home to be located at the SW corner SW 1/4 28-24.
