In 2002, Magellan WindPower and NedPower formed NedPower Mount Storm to pursue the development of a utility-scale wind farm in Grant County, West Virginia. At 264 megawatts, the project is the largest wind energy facility in the Appalachian Region. The project was sold to Shell Wind Energy, Inc and is now jointly owned by Dominion Virginia Power.
|
Development of the project entailed many unique challenges, including:
- Interconnection to the electrical grid at ultra high voltage (500 kV).
- Avoiding impact to wetlands and critical wildlife habitat.
- Coordinating 30 landowners representing over 8000 acres of land across several square miles.
- Construction on abandoned mine lands.
- Site activities during adverse weather conditions and across difficult terrain.
- Review by several regulatory agencies, including approval by the West Virginia Public Service Commission (April 2003).
Location: Grant County, West Virginia, near Dominion’s Mount Storm power station.
First Phase: 164 megawatts
Second Phase: 100 megawatts
Development Team:
- Garrad Hassan conducted the wind resource assessment and project layout.
- Mortenson served as construction contractor.
- Dominion Technical Solutions completed the electrical interconnection work.
- Jackson Kelly handled state-level legal work, including regulatory approvals.
- Steptoe & Johnson handled real estate legal matters.
- Orrick Herrington represented Magellan WindPower on commercial legal matters.
- Environmental consultants included AMEC, Potesta & Associates, Triad Engineers and Western EcoSystems.
Wind Turbine Generator Equipment:
- Gamesa G80 wind turbines.
- 78 meter hub height.
- 80 meter rotor area.
|
|
