Blue Creek Wind Farm sells power

Van Wert independent/contributor content

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) applauded a deal between Akron-based FirstEnergy Solutions and Iberdrola Renewables that will bring wind power generated at Ohio’s largest wind farm, Blue Creek Wind Farm in northwest Ohio to northeast Ohio.

“Our state is leading the way in wind energy, and today’s agreement will help give homes and businesses across northeast Ohio access to clean energy,” Brown said. “This is another step in making federal clean energy policy work for Ohioans.

“he Blue Creek Wind Farm is bringing construction and permanent jobs in western Ohio, new business for homegrown Ohio companies in the wind energy supply chain, and now, a source of renewable energy for northeast Ohio.

“I look forward to seeing the Blue Creek wind farm begin production when construction is complete,” Brown noted. “I applaud FirstEnergy and Iberdrola Renewables for their work to bring this important deal to fruition.”

Under the agreement, FirstEnergy will purchase 100 megawatts of wind energy for the next 20 years, beginning in October 2012. Construction of Blue Creek Wind Farm, located in Tully, Union and Hoaglin townships in Van Wert County, and Benton, Blue Creek and Latty townships in Paulding County, began in September.

According to FirstEnergy and Iberdrola Renewables, the wind farm is expected to be completed within the year. The Blue Creek Wind Farm also brings approximately $1.1 million in annual lease payments to local landowners, $2.7 million in annual local taxes, 15 to 20 new permanent jobs, over 300 construction jobs, and local purchase of some supplies and construction materials. Currently, 18 Ohio companies are supporting or supplying the construction effort.

Brown has been a longtime supporter of wind energy and boosting the domestic manufacture of wind turbines used in wind farms like Blue Creek.