Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A Texas-based business opened an office in the Star City on June 12, much to the delight of Gov. John E. Baldacci, who was on hand to praise Horizon Wind Energy’s decision to develop wind projects in Aroostook County.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HORIZON WIND ENERGY held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new office, 40 North St. Suite 5, in Presque Isle, on June 12, with company, local and state officials on hand for the festivities. Pictured, from left: Valerie Lunn, administrative assistant, Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce; standing behind Lunn is Dana Fowler, director of the city’s Solid Waste Department; Justin A. Dawe, project manager, HWE; Tanya LaPointe, PIACC board member; Dawn Poitras, PIACC board member; Gov. John E. Baldacci; Billie Brodsky, PIACC board member; Floyd Rockholt, PIACC board member; Gabriel Alonso, chief development officer, HWE; Edward Wright, project coordinator, HWE; Dan Foster, Fort Fairfield town manager; and Theresa Fowler, PIACC executive director. HWE will begin construction on a wind project west of Bridgewater in the near future and is expecting to go online in 2010.
“This is a great opportunity for the County and the state,” said Baldacci, speaking at Horizon’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at 34 North St., Suite 5.
Also on hand for the grand opening was Gabriel Alonso, chief development officer with Horizon Wind Energy.
“This small office is a small step. But we hope to have big advancements,” said Alonso.
And big advancements are on the horizon for the production of electricity as the company plans for its next project, a wind farm to be located west of Bridgewater.
“Horizon is currently developing a set of projects in Aroostook County, including one in the unincorporated territory west of Bridgewater in the range of 300 megawatts, with a go-live date of 2010,” said Justin A. Dawe, project manager.
Dawe said company officials were excited about the project.
“It’s a very exciting project and one of the largest in the Northeast and east of the Mississippi,” said Dawe.
Dawe compared the project to the Maple Ridge Wind Farm, another Horizon venture located in upstate New York.
Not only will the development create energy, it will also create jobs.
“It will create about 50 ongoing project/maintenance jobs. Each turbine will produce 1.5 to 2 megawatts of electricity, with approximately 50 machines being planned,” said Dawe.
Each turbine, upon erection, will measure approximately 80 meters tall, said Dawe.
“We’re targeting 800 megawatts, with around 400 machines planned, with the farthest south being in Bridgewater, and the remainder going north of there. We’re working on several – have been discussing leases with landowners for the past several weeks,” said Dawe, whose job it is to go out and speak with property owners.
Dawe said he’s also met with local officials, the Municipal Association and area Chambers of Commerce.
“I’ve attended dinners with landowners to hear their questions and concerns,” said Dawe.
Plans are for Horizon to sell wholesale power to Maine Public Service and Central Maine Power. MPS’s plans to upgrade the transmission line played a major role in Horizon’s decision.
“We need a good transmission line to get the power to other parts of the state and the region,” said Dawe.
Dawe said Aroostook County was selected because of the ideal conditions available for producing energy from wind.
“The resource is here, as it is with the agriculture industry,” said Dawe.
With the wind farm come many advantages, according to Dawe.
“It positively affects property taxes, creates jobs and serves as in investment in clean energy. The wind is here to create clean energy. It helps create energy independence – serves as a stable source of energy,” said Dawe.
Wind energy has become a hot topic lately, as fuel prices continue to climb. Dawe said renewable sources that can be produced locally will help the United States reduce its dependence on foreign oil.
“It’s domestic, clean power and locally produced. It helps reduce the need for foreign oil,” said Dawe.
Baldacci has been a strong supporter of alternative energy, noting Maine is a perfect location for wind projects.
“A day like today provides a good wind opportunity. This is a wonderful opportunity for Aroostook County. And Maine Public Service is key to this (because of its plans to upgrade the transmission line). The rest of the region is key and vital – this is great for economic development and job creation,” said Baldacci.
The governor said while there are those who oppose such projects, there are many who are “endeared by such development.”
“The pluses outweigh the minuses. (This project) is being done by a respected company,” said Baldacci.
Baldacci said he’s tired of the ever-rising fuel prices – both at the gas pump and for home heating fuel.
“I’m so sick and tired of the fuel prices constantly going up. We need to do this for our children,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the development of 800 megawatts of power through a renewable energy source. This is an investment of $26 billion in Aroostook County,” said Dawe.
According to Baldacci, MPS has filed the necessary paperwork to get the ball rolling on the transmission line, which will cost an estimated $400 million.
“I talk to them regularly,” said the governor. “It’s our (lawmakers in Augusta) goal to work together – make sure there are green lights all the way through.”
Baldacci said he’s committed to working with Brent Boyles, CEO of MPS, to handle all paperwork necessary.
“I’ve also been in contact with the other New England governors. This is a huge investment. I’m excited about Maine stepping up to the plate and providing solutions,” he continued.
Baldacci said County people did it themselves, “the way communities have worked together.”
“The difference between Maine and the rest of the region is the way people work together to get things done. New England needs renewable energy. Production would start here and flow through the rest of the state,” said Baldacci. “It’s a win-win situation for Maine and the region. We’re just setting an example for others to follow.”
Horizon Wind Energy is owned by Energias de Portugal, S.A. (EDP), the largest utility in Portugal. Horizon benefits from EDP’s strong commitment to renewables and their operations and management experience. The combined entity is the fourth largest owner of wind generation assets in the world.
For more information on HWE, visit www.horizonwind.com.
