EDF Renewable Energy has asked Minnesota regulators for more time to build the 105MW Stoneray wind project.
The state Public Utilities Commission in May 2014 approved a site permit and certificate of need for the up to 62-turbine scheme and authorized construction to start within two years.
However, 2014 turned out to be a “down year” for the US wind industry, largely because of uncertainty over the federal production tax credit, EDF said in a regulatory filing.
“The project was one of many wind projects that struggled to find a power purchaser or otherwise advance toward construction during this time period,” said EDF.
The market has rebounded since Washington passed a multi-year extension of the PTC and EDF is continuing to pursue offtake agreements.
Stoneray also faced delays in the interconnection process and is now on track to finalize a generator interconnection agreement in the second quarter of 2017.
The project will tie into the grid at the Northern States Power 34.5kV Chanarambie substation.
The site permit contemplates four turbine models GE 1.7MW-100, Vestas V110 2MW, Siemens SWT-2.3MW-108 and Siemens SWT-3.2MW-113.
The wind farm area encompasses about 29,000 acres in Pipestone and Murray counties.
EDF has requested a two-year extension without a rehearing. Comments may be submitted through 7 June and the reply comment period closes 14 June.
Image: EDF
EDF seeks Stoneray extension
Company asks Minnesota officials for two more years to build 105MW project
By EBS