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Senate committee hears industry briefing on Arkansas wind projects, grid needs and local tax deals
Summary
Industry representatives told a Senate committee that improved turbine technology and looming coal-plant retirements are driving new wind projects in eastern Arkansas, described a Cross County 135 MW project under construction, and outlined tax-in-lieu agreements, wildlife studies, and backup-generation options for periods of low wind.
Industry representatives briefed the Children and Youth Committee on the emergence of utility-scale wind development in Arkansas, the companies’ plans for local projects and agreements, and questions from senators about reliability, wildlife and school funding.
Simon Mahan, executive director of the Southern Renewable Energy Association, told the committee that Arkansas sits across two regional grid operators — the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) — and that improvements in turbine height and blade length are making wind projects viable in parts of the state. "When the wind does blow, it's a very good low cost energy resource. It is reliable," Mahan said, adding that grid operators forecast wind output and back it up with natural gas or coal when needed.
Brad Lila, vice president of development for…
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