Wind farm lease in place for area tribe
Studies are under way. Assuming all tribal and federal permitting processes proceed quickly, the project could be online as early as 2010 and would provide enough energy for 79,000 homes each year, according to American Wind Energy Association estimates.
"We are delighted to be working with the Lower Brule Tribe on this important project," said Tim Seck, Director of Development for Iberdrola. "We look forward to moving forward with the many tasks we need to complete before construction can begin."
The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe is working on these tasks and on what is likely to be the largest wind development initiative in Indian Country. Lower Brule Sioux Chairman Michael Jandreau said, "This project represents another avenue to support a more diversified economy for the Tribe, as well as participate and lead in an initiative that will benefit the entire region. Mother Nature has blessed us with wind, and we are striving to develop it with our partner, Iberdrola Renewables, in a respectful and successful way."
Councilman Shawn LaRoche, who has been involved with development of the project from the beginning and continues to be involved in its next steps, added "We are also looking to develop innovative ways to facilitate tribal employment and training for highly skilled green collar jobs. It's an exciting opportunity. I'm proud to be a part of this project."
Wind development has been an ongoing strategic effort by the tribe. A few years ago, the tribe partnered with Innovation Investments, a San Francisco-based development company, which invested in the initial development work. Iberdrola Renewables has recently taken over development on the project which Innovation's President/CEO Eric Greenberg was pleased to facilitate.
"Our development team was honored to have undertaken the initial work on this project in partnership with the Lower Brule Sioux and move this compelling vision closer to reality. It's been a vision we shared all along, to help pave the way for wind development for all Lakota tribes in the region."
An initial Innovation team leader, Cheyenne River Sioux member Tracey LeBeau, remains a part of the project development team.
Iberdrola Renewables recently received permits to install three meteorological, or "met," towers used to collect wind data. The company also plans to install as many as four additional met towers this summer.
The company also will engage in other typical development activities connected to the project, including the following:
- Finalize a power purchase agreement with a power buyer.
- Secure an interconnection agreement to move the power to places where it will be used.
- Conduct cultural, wetland and biological surveys.
- Secure state and local permits.
- Meet with landowners and surrounding communities to answer questions about the project.
- Complete a federal environmental impact statement.
- Secure Bureau of Indian Affairs/DOI approvals.
Iberdrola Renewables is currently the world’s leading provider of wind power with more than 8,000 MW of wind power in operation globally. Between 2008 and 2012, the company will invest $26.8 billion globally to achieve installed capacity of close to 18,000 MW and production of more than 42,000 GWh. Iberdrola will invest $8 billion in the United States between 2008 and 2012 and plans to install 1,000 MW of wind power each year in the U.S.
The Lower Brule Sioux (Kul Wicasa Oyate) Reservation is located along the shores of the Missouri River in central South Dakota. Lower Brule once had the lowest per capita income of all South Dakota reservations, but the tribe has improved economic conditions in recent years through its farm corporation and its marketing arm, Lakota Foods, in addition to development of recreational businesses and tourist draws like its Golden Buffalo Casino and Motel.