Thursday, April 30, 2009

Wind in Wisconsin: Permitting Crisis

From a presentation on wind permitting in Wisconsin by Michael Vickerman, executive director, RENEW Wisconsin:

Why are so many wind projects serving WI utilities located out of state?

1. The wind resource is stronger in states to our west, which reduces the per/MWH cost of development.
2. It is proving exceptionally challenging to secure a permit to build wind projects in Wisconsin, especially those under 100 MW.