M A R S
H I L L
First Wind Overview
Founded in 2002
Operating in 6 states
4 regional offices
200 employees
16 projects
980 MW capacity
$2.2 billion in assets
The POWER of Wind
Wind power is the scalable renewable
energy solution for clean energy goals and
standards
Wind energy capacity can lower power
prices in wholesale markets
Long-term contracts for wind power lock in
competitive power prices for ratepayers,
hedging the market and supply risks of
fossil fuel sources
Manufacturing, construction and operations
of wind projects utilize local contractors and
businesses, and provide stable income and
tax revenues for host communities
Wind power produces electricity without
jeopardizing natural resources, climate or
public health
W E LCOM E T O M ARS HILL WIND
MAINE’S FIRST UTILITY SCALE WIND ENERGY PROJECT
The Mars Hill wind energy project has been a symbol of
Maine’s clean energy leadership since establishing
commercial operations in 2007. The Mars Hill project was the
first utility scale wind project in Maine, and among the first in
New England. The project delivers clean, renewable power to
the region and provides a range of economic and
environmental benefits for host communities and throughout
the State.
MARS HILL PROFILE:
Operational since March 2007
Comprised of 28 GE 1.5 megawatt (MW) turbines,
producing enough renewable energy to power >20,000
Maine homes per year
Delivers energy at a fixed price that is not subject to
fluctuating fuel costs or supply constraints
Provides full-time direct employment and ongoing
contracting opportunities for Maine workers and
companies
CLEAN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT FOR MAINE
Development of Mars Hill Wind began in 2003, when a series of
thorough meteorological studies were initiated to ensure the site
was ideal for a wind power project. The excellent wind resource,
combined with strong community support and involvement, has
greatly contributed to the Project’s success. Today, Mars Hill
Wind provides clean power, good jobs, and significant tax
revenue in a manner consistent with Maine’s environmental and
recreational priorities.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Annual tax payments of $500,000 to the town of Mars Hill for
20 years, totaling $10 million
Additional income for landowners and local businesses
Approximately 300 jobs were created/supported during
design, engineering and construction; First Wind continues to
work with 300+ Maine businesses to develop and operate
wind projects in Maine
In recognition of Mars Hill Wind, the Maine State Chamber of
Commerce recognized First Wind with an award (October
2007) for its outstanding contributions to the growth of the
state’s economy
ABOUT FIRST WIND
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Unlike conventional power sources, wind power produces
electricity without harmful emissions or watershed pollution
Power produced by Mars Hill Wind avoids more than 50,000
tons of CO2e per year
218,076 barrels of oil would be required to produce power at a
level equivalent to that of the Mars Hill Wind facility
OTHER FIRST WIND PROJECTS IN MAINE
First Wind is an independent renewable
energy company exclusively focused on
the development, financing, construction,
ownership and operation of utility-scale
renewable energy projects in the U.S.
Based in Boston, First Wind has wind
projects in the Northeast, the West and
Hawaii, with combined capacity of 980
megawatts (MW) – enough to power
approximately 300,000 homes each year.
For more information on First Wind, please
visit www.firstwind.com or follow us on
Twitter @FirstWind.
179 Lincoln St. Suite 500
Boston, MA 02111
www.firstwind.com
Rev-05.14.13 © 2013 First Wind Holdings.