New England's Wind Energy Potential to be Evaluated

Waterbury, Vermont [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Connecticut-based Noble Environmental Power is teaming up with Vermont Environmental Research Associates (VERA) to explore potential windpark locations throughout the region. Noble's preliminary site evaluation will include an evaluation of wind resources and dialogue with local communities to explore attitudes toward wind energy development.

"As our nation moves to create clean and renewable energy sources, New England's excellent wind resources and commitment to the environment make it well-positioned to become a leader," said Noble Environmental's CEO Charles C. Hinckley. "VERA's knowledge of the area and reputation in the region make them a perfect partner. We look forward to working closely with them as we begin our preliminary site analysis."

Noble Environmental already has several windparks totaling more than 1,000 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy under development in New York and Michigan and is now conducting preliminary research to determine if there are suitable sites for windpark development in New England.

VERA has more than two decades of experience with wind resource assessments and wind turbine siting work in New England and has managed the development of the Searsburg, Deerfield and Lowell projects in Vermont and the Hoosac Project in Massachusetts.

Hinckley said he was encouraged by the support for wind energy in the region. "New England has a strong tradition of environmental stewardship and wind power is a natural part of that tradition," he said.