Wind Farm in Paynesville Falls Behind Schedule
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.
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.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)