PMLD replacing old wind turbines

PRINCETON, MASSACHUSETTS - The Princeton Municipal Light Department (PMLD) has taken a step forward with plans to replace eight wind turbine/generators as part of a project that began in 1999 after equipment failure.

PMLD was developing the project with Community Energy Incorporated, which was acquired in 2006 by Iberdrola Renewables, a subsidiary of Grupo Iberdrola. However, Iberdrola withdrew from the project, deeming it too small and allowing PMLD to take control.

The city financed the $7.15 million project and selected Fuhrlander AG to provide two 1.5-megawatt FL-1500 wind turbine/generators. Lumus Construction Incorporated was selected to handle construction.

Civil site construction began in August 2007 off of Stage Coach Trail Access Road commenced. The turbines are expected to be delivered by Fuhrlander in April or May 2009. PMLD expects Lumus to complete construction and commissioning within 30 days of delivery. PLMD Manager Jonathan Fitch has said that the city might consider one or two more turbine/generator sites after this project is complete.