Wind farm planned for Delaware County

Plans for a wind farm in Delaware County, which will supply Central Iowa Power Cooperative, are moving ahead with an equipment order announced this week.

West Des Moinesbased RPM Access plans to develop the Elk Wind Farm west of Greeley in Delaware County's Elk Township. It will have 41 megawatts of generating capacity.

A total of 17 Nordex N100 turbines were ordered for the wind farm, according to Nordex USA, the manufacturer.

The dollar amount of the contract, which includes installation, testing, and a 10-year service contract, was not disclosed.

The development of the Elk Wind Farm is slated for completion in October 2011. Cedar Rapids-based Central Iowa Power Cooperative has a 20-year purchase agreement for the wind farm's power.

Nordex said the contract is only the second for its new manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Ark., which was dedicated in October. The company has hired 70 for the plant, which it says may grow to 700 over the next four years depending on market conditions.

RPM Access has initiated six wind projects in Iowa that are now in operation over the past 10 years for a total of 370 megawatts.

Nordex USA President Ralf Sigrist praised RPM Access as 'one of the most experienced and knowledgeable developers in the Midwest.' RPM Access Principle Stephen Dryden said the global record of Nordex for reliability, efficiency and service factored into the purchase decision.

'We are also extremely happy to be sourcing American-made turbines that support American jobs, as well as to bring more green energy to the Midwest,' Dryden said.