blackford wind
Blackford County, IN
Project Overview
Blackford Wind Energy, LLC (“Blackford Wind”) is working on the development of a renewable energy wind project located on approximately 18,500 acres under long-term agreement with private landowners in Blackford County, Indiana.
The project obtained a Special Use Permit from Blackford County, and once constructed will connect to the Keystone-Desoto 345kV line operated by AEP.
Blackford Wind is expected to operate for 30+ years, providing significant economic investment to the community, a substantial property tax base for Blackford County and local schools, and generate emission-free renewable energy for Indiana.
Blackford Wind is currently in late-stage development and construction is scheduled to start in late 2024/early 2025, bringing an influx of new jobs to the community. The project is expected to begin operating by late 2025 / early 2026.
200
Megawatt (MW) Wind Capacity
637,500
Annual Megawatt hours generated
200
estimated Construstion jobs
Late 2025 / Early 2026
Targeted operational
Project location
PERMIT PROCESS
Blackford Wind received a Special Exception Permit from the Blackford County Board of Zoning Appeals. The project will begin construction in late 2024/early 2025, bringing an influx of new jobs to the community.
Resources
Blackford Solar and Wind | Facebook
Blackford Wind Project Fact Sheet Download Here
Timeline
Community Involvement
Blackford Wind is committed to being a dedicated member of the community and to work hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. Our engagement with the community goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owners, and community members. We pride ourselves on being transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback throughout the life of the project. We also believe being involved means giving back. We get to know our neighbors and have a long history of supporting local causes the community is passionate about. Whether through employee volunteer opportunities or corporate-level sponsorships, we consistently seek ways to stay positively engaged with the community and to serve as a good corporate neighbor.
About Us
Blackford Wind Energy, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC. Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company building a sustainable future for all. The company owns and operates a portfolio of 31 wind, solar, and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 3 gigawatts of generating capacity and is actively developing and contracting a robust pipeline of new renewable energy projects. LRE takes a tailored, full-lifecycle approach to its projects, which is underpinned by its long-term ownership model and purpose-driven culture that is dedicated to benefiting its community partners while protecting and enhancing the environment. LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of the largest defined pension plans in Canada, with C$127.4 billion in net assets (as at June 30,2023). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
In keeping with our commitment to open and transparent communications with the community, Blackford Wind hosted a Public Information Meeting on June 9, 2022 at Elks Lodge 625 in Hartford City, IN. The intent of the meeting was to provide information on the project and answer community questions.
Responsible Development
Responsible development is an ethos that runs deep at Leeward and our subsidiary companies. We develop, own, and operate renewable generation assets for the long term, and are committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities where we operate. We achieve this by prioritizing our values of community partnership, sustainability and safety.
CLICK HERE for more information about Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC.
WIND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What will the wind facility look like?
The Blackford Wind facility will primarily consist of wind generating turbines which are essentially tall windmills which will be located 1,000 feet or more from occupied residences. Wind turbines are made of multiple components including the foundation, tower, nacelle, hub, and blades. The turbines themselves are constructed to “hunt” for the wind, pointing themselves into the prevailing wind direction. The turbine’s generator housing contains copper windings and magnets that generate an electrical-producing response when spun at high speed. Electricity is then transmitted over underground/overhead cabling from each turbine to a utility-owned substation that then transmitted to overhead transmission lines to end users.
Will the wind facility reduce my property value?
Well-developed wind projects will not negatively impact property values. A wind energy facility such as Blackford Wind is a low-intensity, passive use of land. Once constructed, wind projects do not possess the negative qualities that could theoretically impact property values such as hazardous materials, odor, and excess traffic. Enhanced setbacks will also be used.
How long will the wind facility be operational?
The average life of a wind facility is approximately 30-40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer.
Who will maintain the property and vegetation?
Blackford Wind will be responsible for maintaining the wind facility property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management. Also, land not occupied by wind turbines will remain in its prior use, meaning a minimal impact to farming.
What happens at the end of the project’s life?
At the end of the life of the project, Blackford Wind will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use. As part of the permitting review process, Decommissioning and restoration bond will be posted prior to construction to ensure ample consideration and protections are provided.
How will development of the wind facility affect my community?
Construction will bring new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.
Once the project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout its life, the project will not burden Blackford County services and utilities; however, it will contribute substantial revenue to local tax authority and provide clean energy in Indiana.
Contact
If you have additional questions about Blackford Wind, please fill about the form below or contact Blackford Wind Public Affairs at (765) 761-6664 or [email protected].
