News

Wind farm in central Minnesota falls behind schedule

Photo:

Dec 26, 2011 at 8:10 am

PAYNESVILLE, Minn. (AP) - A wind farm that was to be the first such large-scale operation in central Minnesota is about a year behind schedule.

Edina-based Geronimo Wind Energy has the necessary permits to build the 95-megawatt wind farm. But the company hasn't been able to find a utility company willing to buy its energy.

Geronimo spokesman Charlie Daum attributes the delay to a slow market. He also says it's surprising that more utilities don't want to lock in long-term contracts to secure power at today's low prices.

A St. Cloud Times report says some reports suggest the wind industry as a whole might be losing momentum.

But one state official disagrees. Department of Commerce spokesman Matt Swenson says companies still have a year to take advantage of federal tax credits.