Ever since the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 221 in May of 2008, which requires all utility companies to purchase a portion of their energy from renewable sources, Ohio has been opened up as a new market for wind energy developers.

Tuesday night at ONU, JW Great Lakes Wind LLC held a public meeting to discuss their development of a wind farm west of Dola. The project is called the Hardin County North Wind Farm, covers 3,400 acres of land, and have signed with 20 local landowners.

The wind farm will be solely within Washington Township and will be a 50 megawatt (MW) farm. Depending on the size of turbines used, between 19 and 27 turbines could be erected within the project area.

Speaking on behalf of the company was Peter Endres, Project Manager. Also present were Donald Cochran, Project Coordinator, and Ralf Krueger, CEO. Headquartered in Cleveland, Endres said the company has been working on this project for one and a half years. The parent company, Juwi, was founded in 1996 in Germany.

Other Ohio projects include a Hardin County South Wind Farm south of Alger and McGuffey; the completion of a feasibility study in Cuyahoga Company which could turn into the world's first fresh water wind energy project on Lake Erie; and a wind assessment in Cleveland using city property.

Worldwide projects not only include wind energy, but also the use of photovoltaics for solar energy and bio energy.

JW Great Lakes Wind, like other wind energy developers, chose Hardin County after a wind assessment of Ohio showed high average wind speeds as well as access to transmission lines and the utility grid.

Also, after studies conducted in tandem with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, it was determined that the project area was ideal due to open fields and minimal woodlots. There is also a low density of homes in the area and a positive community response.

"We're grateful for that," said Endres. He expressed gratitude for the support that the company has received from the county commissioners, the township trustees, the economic development council, and landowners.

Endres explained that in addition to the construction of new roadways, burying underground cable and erecting the wind turbines, that a new line would have to be installed to connect the wind turbines to the nearest transmission line. The line is 69 kilovolt (KV) and is the nearest substation is AEP owned, located near Dunkirk.

He also noted that several setbacks would be in place for the turbines. They will be constructed at least 540 feet away from roads, transmission lines, railroads, and non-participating properties. There is also a 1,000 foot setback for residential homes and buildings. Endres said that issues like noise "are mitigated so that they don't become a nuisance to neighbors."

The company's timeline for the project was explained as follows:

• August 2009 - complete and submit application to the Ohio Power Siting Board.
• 8-12 months later - receipt of the certificate, basically approval of the plans.
• Late 2010 or early 2011 - beginning of construction.
• Mid to late 2011 - Commissioning or operation of the wind farm.

Following the presentation, Endres encouraged questions from the audience. The first question regarded the number of turbines that must be in operation before energy can be provided to the transmission line. Endres said all 27 turbines would have to be in operation.

Theresa Allen asked several questions, including the possibility of Hardin Northern Schools benefiting from the wind energy that will be generated. Endres explained that it is not an option to cycle power off of the turbines to use for a home or any other facility. He said the school would benefit from the local tax revenue, but could not be connected.

Allen also inquired about the acquisition of land for the project - the total land purchased versus the total land needed. Endres emphasized that land was not purchased by the company and that lease agreements were signed between the landowners and the company. He acknowledged that more land had been leased than what would be used. However, the surplus land would be necessary for buffer zones and possibly the expansion of the project.

Endres also noted that the lease states that the company only has a certain length of time in order to take action or the agreement would automatically terminate. The lease also states that the purpose of the land will be for wind energy development only and nothing more.

When questioned about the usage of the proposed rail facility in Dunkirk, Endres said that the company is aware of the rail project, but there is no formal connection.

A gentleman, who told The Ada Herald that he would not give his name, inquired about the usage of local contractors in the bidding process for service and materials. He expressed concern about "gypsy contractors who follow these projects." He asked for generic specs for local contractors to look at in order to prepare for the bidding process. Endres consulted with his coworkers before noting that they could work on that request. He also said that the company is working closely with John Hohn of the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance, who is Vice President of Economic Development. That connection will keep the local contractors in the loop.

Several questions were raised concerning potential damage to farmland and roadways due to the construction process and due to the movement of heavy equipment. Endres assured those present that the company would take responsibility for any damage to drainage tiles in the fields; and would do upgrades to local roadways, as well as repair any damage.

Overall, a positive introduction to the JW Great Lakes Wind Energy company and yet another step in the right direction for Hardin County.