Why this location?

This area of Hopkins County has sufficient wind speeds to create an economically viable wind energy project. Additionally, there is good access to interconnection to the grid. There is an existing 345kV electrical transmission line that runs through the site.

 

 Who benefits from the project?

The project will serve the region by bringing long-term reliability and rate stability. The project will also provide a stable new source of income for the landowners leasing their land for the project, and the local community benefits from the influx of property tax revenue and local jobs, with minimal impacts to services (sewer, schools, traffic, waste disposal, etc.). The Project is estimated to pay over $36 million in property taxes paid to local taxing jurisdictions over the life of the Project.

During construction, there will be many people who will use local restaurants and hotels. When possible, qualified local laborers and craft workers will be hired.

 

Who will own the project?

The long-term owner is not known at this time. The typical investor is a large owner of renewable energy assets with a high credit rating.

 

How many jobs will this project create?

Over the course of project construction, there may be up to 300 or more people working on the site at various times. Whenever possible, Melkkoe Wind will make an effort to hire locally.

Once construction is complete, 1-2 technicians are anticipated to be onsite daily, Monday through Friday and operations/maintenance is generally expected to occur 8 am to 5 pm.