Maine Governor Celebrates Startup of Largest Commercial Wind Project in New England

January 22, 2009 -- DANFORTH – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today celebrated the startup of commercial wind operations at the Stetson Wind Project, the largest commercial wind project in Maine and New England. First Wind is operating the wind farm, in addition to its Mars Hill facility.

“Wind power generated here at Stetson Wind displaces traditional energy production that contributes to global warming and pollution,” Governor Baldacci said. “It also reduces our dependence on foreign, unstable energy sources.”

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According to First Wind, the Stetson Wind project will use 38 General Electric wind turbines and will have the capacity to generate about 167 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year. Stetson Wind will have the capacity to generate enough energy to power to about 23,500 homes in New England each year.

The project officially began generating power and delivering it to the New England electrical grid today.

“The Stetson Wind project continues Maine’s aggressive leadership in pursuing energy independence and developing clean, renewable sources of energy,” the Governor said. “By harnessing these sources of energy locally, we keep money in our State and we create jobs in our State, all while improving our environment and our national security.”

Construction on the project began about a year ago, creating about 350 jobs in development and construction. All told, First Wind spent approximately $50 million with Maine businesses to complete the construction. With the Stetson Wind project operational, six full-time jobs have been created at the facility.

The Governor said that finding alternative sources of energy has been a goal of his administration as well as the new administration in Washington.

“I’ve talked personally with President Obama about the need to continue to press forward with energy independence, and am extremely encouraged by his commitment to ending our dangerous and expensive dependence on fossil fuels,” Governor Baldacci said. “The commitment of First Wind to the two projects it operates in Maine is a great example of the incredible convergence of our economic and environmental well-being.”

Source: Maine Governor