County Board holds special meeting

The Cloud County board of commissioners held a special session on Tuesday morning with five representatives from EDP Renewables-North America for a status update on the proposed 200 megawatt Plum Nellie Wind Farm.

EDP Renewables already operates the Meridian Way Wind Farm in Cloud County which provides gift payments of $300,000 per year to the county.

The Plum Nellie Wind Farm would be located in the southeast corner of Cloud County. EDP Renewables is offering $1,500 per megawatt, or $300,000 a year, for the first 10 years, and would receive a property tax exemption for those 10 years.

Over the course of the 30-year expected life of the wind farm, the project would bring in over $36 million in gift and tax revenue to the county.

David Neely, director – EDP Renewables-North America, informed commissioners that the project was on track and that they anticipate construction to begin in late-2024 or early 2025.

“The project is still viable,” Neely said. “The project is all but there. We're one step away. We just need to wrap up the road usage agreement.”

Michael “Chase” Dekrell, project developer-central region, said they plan to install between 45-55 turbines on the acreage.

Neely further stated that all the necessary land has been acquired through 72 lease agreements.

EDP Renewables is now actively marketing the wind farm's potential output.

Commissioner Gary Caspers was pleased with the update from EDP Renewables-North America.

“I've gotten several call from landowners who had contracts and were getting concerned about what was happening,” Caspers said. “So it's good to get an update and I can pass that on.”