04/29/2021
INTERVIEW: ALLETE's recently proposed repowering application could signal future trend for legacy wind projects
A recent proposal by Allete Clean Energy in Minnesota would be a first for the developer: repowering wind farms not only to extend their lifespan, but to wring additional power from the facilities and requalify them for tax credits.
On 16 April, the company's subsidiary Northern Wind Energy Redevelopment filed an application for an amendment to site permits that would allow it to repower the Chanarambie Wind Farm, which has a nameplate capacity of 85.5 MW, and the Viking Wind Farm, which consists of eight “projects,” or turbines, that have a capacity of 1.5 MW each. Viking and Chanarambie together make the Northern Wind Project.
ALLETE Clean Energy President Allan S. Rudeck Jr. told NPM that repowerings have become more common for the company in recent years, but getting additional power in the process, should the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approve their proposal, will be a first.
“This is our fifth repower project that we've worked on. This is becoming a more common thing. It's our first project where we're actually getting to decommission the existing turbines and replace them,” Rudeck said.
To access the full interview, please visit the link below:
https://newprojectmedia.com/first-look2222 -look-intel/view-intel/6087102d33c534001b6e86bf/
