Wisconsin Rapids and Energy Composites Corporation are expected to reach a final agreement before 1 June 2009, after which ECC will commence the construction of the wind turbine blade plant. The plant is expected to deliver 1500 blades annually from the end of 2010.

The plant is part of Energy Composites Corporation’s WindFiber™ composites-in-wind-energy programme.

The LOI is subject to the approval of the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council, which is expected to “act on the agreement in the near future.”

Sam Fairchild, Chief Executive Officer at Energy Composite Corporation, says: “Today’s agreement with the City [Wisconsin Rapids] places us in good stead to have our blade plant up and running by the end of the first quarter of 2010.”

Wind turbine manufacturing skills

“We are currently working with our local college, MidState, to establish a training programme now specialising in blade fabrication techniques as well as basic composites fabrication. We are working to establish a certification programme as a part of WindFiber™ that will ensure that we have a strong pool of certified associates ready...,” Fairchild adds.