First Wind, an independent developer of wind power in North America, today announced it has received approval from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for its proposed 60 MW Rollins Wind project in Penobscot County, Maine. First Wind filed its permit application with the DEP on October 31, 2008.
Situated in the towns of Lincoln, Burlington, Lee, Winn and Mattawamkeag, the Rollins Wind project will consist of 40 GE 1.5 MW turbines that can produce enough clean, renewable energy to power more than 23,000 homes. Construction on Rollins Wind is planned to commence later this year.
“We appreciate the review of this application by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection,” said Matt Kearns, First Wind’s Vice President of Development for New England. “We are grateful for the support we received from the surrounding communities during the process of securing this important permit for the Rollins Wind project, and we look forward to this continued partnership as we work to make this project a reality.”
Rollins Wind is expected to create numerous construction jobs and provide significant tax revenue to the surrounding communities. For example, First Wind spent $50 million with Maine-based businesses and employed over 350 workers during the construction of Stetson Wind, a 57 MW project in Washington County that has been in operation since January 2009. The Rollins Wind project is expected to provide similar benefits to the region.
“This is good news for the town of Lincoln and its economy,” said Representative Jeffrey A. Gifford, R-Lincoln. “We saw a real boost to the economy last summer when the transmission line was being built for the Stetson project. I can see the Rollins Wind project as being very good for Lincoln by providing economic opportunity for the region. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”
First Wind owns and operates the 42 MW Mars Hill Wind project in Aroostook County along with Stetson Wind. Recently, First Wind received approval from the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) for a 25.5 MW expansion to the Stetson Wind project. In addition, the company recently submitted a permit application with the DEP for a 51 MW wind project in the town of Oakfield in Aroostook County.
About First Wind
First Wind is an independent North American wind energy company focused exclusively on the development, ownership and operation of wind energy projects. First Wind is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts. For more information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com.
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For more information, contact:
John Lamontagne
Director, Communications
First Wind
Phone: 857-226-5149 or 781-856-2111
E-mail: jlamontagne@firstwind.com
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