Minnesota PUC approves Plum Creek wind facility

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a plan to build a 414-megawatt wind facility proposed by Plum Creek Wind, LLC.

The project will be located in portions of Cottonwood, Murray, and Redwood counties in Minnesota. This wind facility will consist of up to 74 turbines and include a 31-mile transmission line.

“The approval of Plum Creek Wind helps meet the growing demand for emission free energy in Minnesota. The project will bring carbon-free electricity to Minnesotans and critical economic development opportunities to the region’s workforce and local communities,” Minnesota PUC Chair Katie Sieben said.

The proposed wind facility will generate tax revenues ranging from $1,750,000 to $2 million for local counties. Further, Plum Creek estimates that more than 250 personnel will be required for the project’s construction, operation, and maintenance. In addition, the commission approved a set of requirements to minimize project construction impacts to the human and natural environment, including an avian and bat protection plan, an archeological assessment, and a decommissioning plan to ensure sites are restored at the end of the facility’s useful life.

“The developer did a good job working with the community,” Commissioner John Tuma said. “The Plum Creek Wind facility will provide reliable, low-carbon energy for Minnesota ratepayers while energizing the local economy through landowner lease payments, job creation, and the generation of local tax revenue.”