Great River Energy replaces wind turbine in Maple Grove
The wind turbine outside of the Great River Energy headquarters in Maple Grove has been replaced with a more efficient turbine. The iconic turbine has been part of the Maple Grove landscape along Elm Creek Boulevard for many years. The old turbine was installed outside the headquarters building in 2007, and it generated electricity for the building for 18 years. Trevor Roy, Great River Energy Media and External Relations Lead, said, “The old turbine actually dates back to 1994, when it first went into service in the Netherlands, so it had a long and productive life before reaching the end of its useful life.” He said as the technology aged, the repairs became more difficult and costly. Replacing the turbine with newer technology was the way to go. Great River Energy actually reused parts of the old turbine. Roy said, “The new turbine isn’t taller. We’re actually reusing the existing tower and foundation, as well as much of the electrical infrastructure. The new turbine has a lower nameplate capacity, but newer technology allows it to generate electricity at lower wind speeds.” The old blades and the nacelle, which houses the mechanical components for the wind turbine, were removed the week
