The HWF is expected to create nearly 2,000 megawatts of consumable energy, which is more energy than the entire state of North Dakota consumes. ITC’s powerful transmission lines will be able to handle all of that power as it transmits the produced energy across the Midwest to large cities further east.
Praising the "common sense people" in ND legislation, Curt Johnson said, "ND is one of three states in the US right now with a surplus, and moving forward with renewable energy is yet another great economic opportunity for the state."
Requesting landowners agree to be a part of the project, the proposal is divided into four phases of development. With Milestone One complete, the company continues to secure landowners’ permission to research the potential viability for placement of wind turbines.
Anticipating the construction coordination to begin in 2011, Johnson stated to landowners present, "You’re a big part of the process."
With 200 people signed to identical Option and Easement agreements the company stressed the importance of equality among partnership agreements with landowners.
Vice President of ITC, Joseph Dudak, then informed the citizens of the role their company has in not only the Hartland Wind Farm project, but the National legislative process of the Environmental Bill.
ITC Holdings Corp is the nation’s first and only independent transmission company, owning and operating the high voltage transmission lines that carry power from generating plants to communities.
Honing in on the nation’s demand for clean energy and the Midwest’s natural abundance of wind the company is building a "Green Power Express" for transmitting the renewable energy. The network would move nearly 12,000 megawatts of power from wind abundant areas of the Upper Midwest to Midwestern and Eastern states.
Dudak said, "North Dakota is the number one state in the country for potential and wind quality, we are pleased and fortunate to be here. This project is one of a kind, it’s never been done this big before and we are pushing the envelope to make it happen."
Relaying the high costs for such an investment Dudak explained their company is investing the capital upfront, there is no Federal or State funding. Eventually the plan is to have those receiving the power by the transmission line be responsible for paying for it.
"The people paying for the lines would not be where the lines are, but who is receiving the power from the lines." said Dudak.
Since this is a new idea, he urges people to provide support of the plan by writing to their congressmen in support of the plan.
"This renewable energy has the potential to be the biggest cash crop available, bigger than grain or coal," stated Dudak.
Denali Energy’s Craig Swenson provided attendees with a review of the Option and Easement Agreements.
"We need to know we have support of landowners before any work can be done," said Swenson.
Essentially the company will pay landowners to allow them to survey their land to check the feasibility for wind turbines to be placed on their property. Once there is evidence that a landowner can indeed be a part of the project they will present the landowner with a proposal of interest.
"We can’t do anything until you sign off on a certificate of survey," said Swenson. That also means the Optioned land does not guarantee a turbine, it simply "Determines if we can, it allows us to study the land," said Swenson.
Addressing key components including Oil and Gas, agriculture and other income sources, they assured landowners, "We will not impede on any other income sources."
Last June the company began conversations with landowners near Berthold, Donnybrook and Carpio. With 45-55,000 acres secured Swenson said, "It’s a real comfort level of support to know enough people have committed to plan the first phase of the project."
Now, as the project continues to move forward Johnson commented, "The Bowbells area has signed a lot of land and we are confident to reach the next milestone."
Urging persons who have yet to commit to Option Agreements to get on board, Curt Johnson said, "Without an Option Agreement signed we assume you’re not interested."
Questions from the assembly concluded the meeting.
As participants met individually with members of the Denali Energy company and ITC to discuss their questions and concerns, one item the Denali Energy team wants people to remember is that they are in no way affiliated with the Denali Oil and Gas company known in this area.
Dedicated to being a major part of the nation’s energy independence the staff of Denali Energy and the Hartland Wind Farm encourage any and all landowners to contact them toll-free at 1-877-557-1031 with any questions, concerns or requests for further information.
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