As both Qualifying Facility (QF) and Net Metering limits are increased by state utility commissions, there are growing opportunities for community wind projects owned by schools, cities and counties in the 10MW size range. As examples, the Montana Public Service Commission is in the process of raising the size limit on QF projects from 3 MW to 10 MW. Similarly, Texas regulations now allow up to 10 MW for net metering projects.
Although megawatt class turbines are back ordered world wide, there are opportunities to locate "extra" turbines from large projects and use them to build community sized wind projects. We at MFE are following the availability of megawatt class turbines from four different manufacturers. Two of the companies are new to the United States market, although they are well established in Europe. They may offer attractive financial incentives to community wind start up projects.
We are gathering information on their availability, track record in Europe and availability. I will report more following some upcoming factory inspections.
Well written article.
Posted by: Maura | April 24, 2009 at 08:54 PM