Ohio regulators need more information about the 20.7MW Icebreaker offshore wind project in Lake Erie before going ahead with a permit application.
The state Power Siting Board said the proponent must submit memorandums of understanding (MoU) with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for pre-, during- and post-construction monitoring studies and analyses for project impacts on birds, bats, fisheries and other aquatic resources.
The delay is a minor setback, Lake Erie Energy Development Co (Leedco) spokesperson Dave Karpinski told reNEWS.
The company has completed all studies needed for the MoUs and is working with the DNR to finalize and submit the agreements “within days”.
“We should be back on track very quickly,” said Karpinski.
After the applicant files the documents the board will resume an application completeness review.
Once the application is accepted, board staff will then have 90 days to investigate the project and submit their findings. Public hearings will follow.
Icebreaker Windpower plans to install six MHI Vestas V126 3.45MW turbines about 13km off the coast of Cleveland.
Local partner Leedco initiated the project and is handling the permitting process.
Fred Olsen Renewables will construct, own and operate the demonstration scheme, the first freshwater wind farm in the US.
The $125m demo has been awarded $50.7m in federal funding.
Image: Leedco
Keep on top of breaking news with reNEWS Daily Alerts, straight to your inbox every morning at no charge. SIGN UP HERE