The Horse Heaven Hills wind farm in South Central Washington is set to advance after receiving approval from Governor Jay Inslee. This project, proposed by Scout Clean Energy, aims to significantly contribute to the state’s renewable energy portfolio.
Key Details of the Project
- Investment: The project represents a $1.7 billion investment in renewable energy.
- Capacity: It plans to install up to 222 wind turbines across 24 miles of hillsides, along with three solar arrays covering approximately 5,447 acres [1].
- Location: The wind farm will be situated near the Tri-Cities area, which is crucial for its integration into the local energy grid [2].
Regulatory Challenges
The project has faced numerous challenges, including opposition from local governments, the Yakama Nation, and environmental advocates. The Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council has been involved in lengthy deliberations regarding the project’s environmental impact, particularly concerning the endangered ferruginous hawk, which nests in the area [1][3].
Recent Developments
- In April, the council recommended reducing the number of turbines to protect the hawk, proposing a 2-mile buffer around each nest. However, most of these nests were found to be unoccupied [1].
- Governor Inslee rejected this recommendation in May, urging the council to find a way to allow more turbines to be built [3].
- A new compromise allows for a case-by-case evaluation of hawk nests, potentially reducing the setback distance to 1 kilometer, which could enable Scout Clean Energy to proceed with nearly all of the originally proposed turbines [1][2].
Urgency for Renewable Energy
Governor Inslee emphasized the need for timely action to meet Washington’s urgent clean energy needs. He stated that delays in approving the project could hinder the state’s ability to address climate change effectively [1].
Conclusion
The Horse Heaven Hills wind farm represents a significant step forward for renewable energy in Washington, promising to create jobs and contribute to the state’s energy goals. As the project progresses, it will be crucial to balance environmental concerns with the need for sustainable energy sources.
Learn more:
- Gov. Inslee approves massive WA wind farm after years of contention | The Seattle Times
- The Horse Heaven Clean Energy Center Project in Benton County
- Final offer for controversial WA wind farm heads to Gov. Jay Inslee | The Seattle Times
