Firms secure grants for wind farms
Wednesday, September 2, 2009 10:27 AM PDT
PORTLAND (AP) — Federal cash grants worth more than $140 million were awarded Tuesday to energy companies operating three Eastern Oregon wind farms.
The grants will help offset the cost of building Horizon Wind Energy’s Wheat Field wind farm in Arlington and Iberdrola Renewables’ Pebble Springs and Hay Canyon wind farms in Arlington and Moro. Part of the Obama administration’s economic recovery program, the grants are meant to jumpstart renewable wind, solar, geothermal and biomass energy projects while providing jobs.
The Oregonian reported that the money will partially offset construction costs for projects that are already operating and provide cash for new projects. Iberdrola, a Spanish company with U.S. headquarters in Portland, is also building Star Point wind farm, a 99-megawatt facility in Sherman County. Hundreds of short-term construction jobs will be created, Iberdrola spokeswoman Jan Johnson said.
Wind farms have become increasingly common sights in eastern and north central Oregon, where they’re often located in wheat fields. They’re praised for producing renewable energy and bringing economic development to rural areas.
But critics say giant wind projects are intrusive, noisy and harm wildlife.
