Juhl acquired the development asset from Boulder, Colorado-based NexGen Energy Partners in 2011, and Juhl is expected to take ownership in the project under its Juhl Renewable Asset subsidiary. Juhl will be providing oversight of the construction and ongoing operation of the turbines.
The turbines, with blades approximately 160 feet long, will be installed on 260-foot towers on Honda Transmission property, which is suited for a maximum of two wind turbines.
Corey Juhl, Juhl Wind’s vice president of Project Development said, “The Honda Wind Project represents a growing niche within our renewable energy development services, which includes installing ‘behind the meter’ wind and solar facilities for large industrial electricity users and corporate clients.”
Once the turbines begin operating later this year, the Honda transmission plant will be the first major automotive manufacturing facility in the United States to obtain a substantial amount of its electricity directly from wind turbines located on its property.
An evaluation of the project shows that renewable energy from the two wind turbines will supply approximately 10 percent of the plant’s electricity, while also reducing CO2 emissions. Studies commissioned by Honda Transmission indicate that wind-generated power is a cost-effective source of electricity for the plant, and that the project will not adversely impact local wildlife or the environment.
Honda Transmission vice president Gary Hand said: “This is just one of many ways that Honda is seeking to reduce our environmental footprint, and we appreciate the experience and knowledge that Juhl Wind is bringing to this unique wind-generation project. In our own ways, both Honda and Juhl are committed to reducing CO2 emissions.”
Globally, Honda has established voluntary goals to reduce the environmental impact of its products and manufacturing operations by 2020. This includes a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from Honda products, and significant CO2 reductions from the company’s plants and other operations, compared with year 2000 levels.
To achieve these new environmental targets, Honda is accelerating its efforts to advance the environmental performance of its products and operations throughout its North American Region.
Juhl Wind forms joint venture to acquire existing wind farms across U.S. and Canada
In November Juhl Wind formed a joint venture with Boulder, Colorado-based 8030 Companies to acquire existing wind farms and other clean
energy assets across the United States and Canada.