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January 14, 2009

Wind farm plan could be scrapped

By Mainebiz

A wind farm developer in Aroostook County has run into some technical problems that could mean an end to the project.

Aroostook Wind Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Texas-based Horizon Wind Energy, has spent millions on a proposed 800-megawatt wind farm in Aroostook County, but a technical glitch in how the electricity enters the grid has been discovered that could cause blackouts in southern New England, according to the Portland Press Herald. No solution has been found for the problem. In a letter filed with the Maine Public Utilities Commission, Aroostook Wind Energy said starting the project in 2010 as originally proposed is no longer viable and that it is not possible to project a new date. But the company said it has invested millions in the project and has leased or optioned tens of thousands of acres for the project and would continue to pursue wind development opportunities in the county. "For 2009, among other things, [AWE] expects to continue comprehensive land acquisition and wind resource analysis efforts," the letter states.

The project's uncertain future is also threatening Central Maine Power and Maine Public Service's $500 million Maine Power Connection project, which would link Aroostook County with the rest of the New England power grid.

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