Central and southeastern Minnesota landowners now have an opportunity to participate in two large-scale, community-owned wind projects. National Wind LLC announced its partnership with local landowners to form two Minnesota wind development companies, Root River Energy LLC and Lake Country Wind Energy LLC. Over the next five years the two projects plan to develop close to 500 megawatts (MW) of wind energy.
National Wind, along with the local landowners and community leaders, provided the founding capital to establish Root River Energy LLC and Lake Country Wind Energy LLC. Both developments have formed a members' advisory board of area landowners to assist with community participation and communication.
"Lake Country Wind Energy and Root River Energy's community-based wind model provides many benefits for landowners and their local economies," said Jack Levi, co-chair of National Wind. "A large portion of the development proceeds from these projects are retained in the community. Landowners have the opportunity to participate on many levels, including helping steer the development process to effectively benefit their local communities. It is easy to see why these types of projects have strong, local support."
