WindConnect announced that it has completed construction of the first utility-scale wind power facility in Michigan.
WindConnect is part of RMT Inc., a subsidiary of Madison-based Alliant Energy.
The Harvest Wind Farm is located on 3,200 acres in Huron County, Michigan.
As the general contractor, WindConnect managed construction of the turbine foundations, roadways, underground collection system, and interconnection substation at the site. WindConnect also provided significant site development services to get the site construction-ready. Final commissioning and testing were completed in January, and the system began commercial operation in February.
"Huron County has consistently strong winds for this part of the U.S., making it a prime location for providing renewable energy," Mark Osten, WindConnect director of business development, said in a statement. "This is a major step forward for Michigan's renewable energy future."
John Deere Wind Energy is the owner and developer of the Harvest Wind Farm. Wolverine Power Cooperative has signed an agreement to purchase the energy produced at the site. Wolverine plans to sell the power to its member companies and retail customers throughout Michigan.
The Harvest Wind Farm consists of 32 wind turbines, with a capacity to produce 53 megawatts of electricity. The development will provide enough power to supply more than 14,000 homes and will save approximately 127,000 tons/year of greenhouse gas emissions from what otherwise would have been produced from fossil generators.
