Amazon Wind Farm begins construction

BENTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – After two years of development, construction has begun on a new wind farm in Benton County.

Farmland undisturbed for years, will soon be filled with 65 energy producing wind turbines. The location sits off State Road 18, just west of Fowler.

Its name – the Amazon Wind Farm. Amazon entered into a 13-year power purchase agreement to supply electricity for its web services.

The total output for the project is about 150 megawatts, which is the equivalent of enough energy for 50,000 households.

Pattern acquired the project in 2013. They have since finished the developmental stage and are now on to the construction phase, which is set to be completed by the end of the year.

Pattern Energy Engineering manager Brad Hillman said that he cannot comment on the financial agreements they reached with area farmers, but he says the overall boost to the economy is substantial.

“The benefit to the local community through taxes and our onsite staff that will work on the site is estimated to be around $40 million over the next 25 years,” said Hillman.

He said farmers benefit from leasing their land for the use of these turbines as well, especially during a rain-filled summer like this year.

“It’s a great way to create a stable revenue source for farmers who are in a position to have a wind turbine on their land, which is good for this year because of all the rain we have gotten,” Hillman explained.

But rain or shine, he said it’s all about creating a better tomorrow.

“We believe very strongly, which is a reason why we do this, to create that environmentally power-friendly generation.”