Minnesota PUC approves construction of NextEra’s 109 MW Walleye Wind Farm

With newly netted approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. will proceed with plans to construct a 40 turbine wind facility in Rock County, Minnesota, which will be capable of providing up to 109 MW.

Under a previously arranged power purchase agreement, the Walleye Wind Farm will supply electricity to the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) for 30 years. It will also bring four full-time positions with it upon completion, and generate between $400,000 and $600,000 in annual tax revenues for the county. Along the way, it will help MMPA to exceed its Minnesota Renewable Energy Standard requirements as well.

“This wind farm will continue to grow our carbon free energy resources that Minnesotans are asking for,” Commissioner Joseph Sullivan said. “It will create local jobs and local tax revenue that will go to the Rock County community for years to come. This is a win-win-win for the state.”

Between a shadow flicker management plan, an avian and bat protection plan, a native prairie protection plan and a decommissioning plan that incorporates restoration practices, the site has also taken precautions — approved by the Commission — to minimize its impacts upon the environment.

“With each of these wind projects that are built, whether it’s through additional short and long-term jobs, additional local tax revenues or lease payments to our farmers, we see our greater Minnesota communities’ continue to benefit,” Commissioner John Tuma said. “These projects have helped these local communities weather the often volatile agricultural economy.”