Trimont Wind I, a subsidiary of Avangrid Renewables, operates an existing 100.5 MW wind-energy generation facility in Martin and Jackson counties, Minnesota. The company proposed upgrading turbines to increase their efficiency, reliability, and energy output and to prolong the useful life of the windfarm. By refurbishing the turbines, Avangrid also avoided decommissioning the project and constructing a new windfarm—thereby conserving resources and minimizing environmental impacts.
The retrofitting project required Minnesota’s first site-permit amendment for partial repowering of a wind facility. We worked with the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Public Utilities Commission to determine permit-application requirements and timelines; managed application preparation and submittal; consulted with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; and prepared a decommissioning plan. Our assistance also included conducting a search for threatened and endangered species and providing support at public hearings.
Avangrid was granted a permit amendment by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in May 2018.