The Glenrock Wind Energy Project would be constructed at Pacific Power's former Dave Johnston Coal Mine, a surface coal mine that operated for 40 years until it shut down in 2000. The nine-mile site has since been restored to its original appearance.

"We are pleased to announce plans for a new Wyoming wind energy facility that will benefit customers by adding new cost-effective renewable energy to our electrical system, as part of a comprehensive strategy to achieve a more balanced mix of resources used to generate electricity," said Pat Reiten, president of Pacific Power.

The Portland-based company provides electrical service in six Western states.

Pacific Power has submitted the project to the Wyoming Public Service Commission for review.

The site is approximately 12 miles north of Glenrock, Wyo. The coal mine operated from 1958 to 2000 and was the primary coal source for Pacific Power's Dave Johnston Power Plant. Approximately 104 million tons of coal were mined from the site.

The wind farm will be constructed in the next year and is expected to begin generating power by October 2008.