On October 16, Gov. Heineman joined Edison Mission Energy (EME) President, Pedro Pizarro and Nebraska Public Power District President/CEO, Pat Pope at the Custer Co. site of EME’s third Nebraska wind farm for the formal dedication.
Located three miles northeast of the city of Broken Bow, Neb., the 50 wind turbines at its peak, will be capable of generating up to 80 megawatts of electricity, enough power to meet the energy needs of about 25,000 Nebraska homes. Cost of the project known as Broken Bow LLC, was $145 million.
Over 150 invited guests, including many local, state and representatives of federal dignitaries were on hand to celebrate.
“Nebraska is a great place for wind energy investment and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is an outstanding utility partner to distribute that energy to its customers,” said Mr. Pizarro.
In his remarks, Gov. Heineman thanked Edison Mission Energy for developing and operating its third wind energy project. “Your continued investment in our state and our natural resource enhances Nebraska’ portfolio of providing renewable energy sources.”
Pat Pope stated “Broken Bow LLC is another step forward in NPPD’s strategic goal of having 10 percent of our energy mix by 2020 to come from renewable energy sources. Our public power partners value this opportunity in adding additional renewable energy to their resource mix. NPPD has established power sales agreements with Omaha Public Power District, Lincoln Electric System, and the City of Grand Island to purchase some of the output from the wind farm.
The wind farm will provide average annual tax revenues of approximately $600,000 over the next 25 years in property taxes and state income taxes. In addition, Broken Bow will generate an average of $540,000 per year in lease royalties to local landowners. Operations at the wind farm will provide seven permanent jobs in the Broken Bow area.
Mr. Pizarro, EME’s president, also presented a $20,000 donation to the “Little Feet, Big Dream Campaign” of the Broken Bow Public Schools Foundation. In accepting the donation, Broken Bow School Board President, Michelle Zlomke thanked EME for their support in helping carry out their goal for the North Park Elementary gymnasium improvements. ❖
