3,000 Megawatts of Renewable Energy Planned for Montana

Based in the wind-rich state of Montana, Grasslands has introduced the Wind Spirit Project, an integrated and green approach to harnessing, storing, and transporting clean renewable energy to consumers.

"Our goal is to create a package of renewable energy that can compete on reliability and price, not just with renewables like solar, but with non-renewables such as coal," said Carl Borgquist, President of Grasslands. "By combining the wind resources of the Northern Plains in an integrated solution, we can help fight climate change and be a leader in America’s energy future."

Grasslands is developing a transmission system to access geographically diverse renewable energy from across Montana and the Northern Great Plains. Through the Wind Spirit Project, renewable energy from multiple geographic areas will combine with energy storage technologies and smart grid components to create a more consistent renewable energy supply.

The energy for the Wind Spirit Project would be collected via series of 230KV AC transmission lines and transported to large markets using high voltage AC and DC transmission lines. By combining renewable energy from different geographic areas, the Wind Spirit Project will make renewable energy more efficient and cost effective.

"Montana can and will lead our nation in wind energy development. But until we solve our transmission constraint problems, little of this great resource will be developed. The project proposed by Grasslands Renewable Energy is an important first step in ensuring quality energy jobs for Montanans and clean energy for America," said Governor Brian Schweitzer.

Grasslands’ project already has broad support from local, state and federal officials, and, if built, will create hundreds of jobs and pay millions in local and state property taxes.

Founded in 2008 by Rocky Mountain Power (2006) Inc. and Absaroka Energy LLC, Grasslands Renewable Energy LLC is a renewable energy leader focused on providing an integrated renewable energy solution in North America. Grasslands has partnered with a Spanish engineering and renewable energy company, Elecnor S.A., offering international expertise in wind power, solar energy and smart grid technologies.

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