Maple Ridge Wind Farm Producing 231 MW for New York State

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46110

Lowville, New York The recent dedication of the Maple Ridge Wind Farm marks the completion of the first of two phases in which 140 1.65-megawatt (MW) Vestas turbines will generate 231 MW. Additional turbines under construction for the second phase will bring the total to 195 turbines producing 320 MW of electricity, enough to provide two percent of the state's residential power needs.
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The wind farm will help New York state reach its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which calls for a quarter of its electricity to be generated from renewable power by 2013.

"Maple Ridge is a perfect example of what commercial wind farming can do for the people of New York State -- especially for the upstate economy -- by bringing clean power, good local jobs, significant tax revenue and cleaner air," said Carol Murphy from the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. "It also shows us that new generation can get built -- 321 MW in less than 12 months -- when project sponsors work closely with local residents, New York State and the regulators."

"The legislation coupled with the support of Governor Pataki, the PSC, NYSERDA, and the decision of PPM Energy and Horizon Wind Energy to make this tremendous investment, has resulted in the project coming to fruition," said Senator Raymond A. Meier. Praised for increasing the amount of wind power in New York six-fold and making a big contribution to the state's renewable energy goals, Maple Ridge is New York's largest electric plant built this year.

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