Icebreaker Moves Closer to Construction

The Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. (LEEDCo) has reached an agreement with the staff of the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) regarding the construction and operation of its Icebreaker Wind energy project.

Now that LEEDCo has reached an agreement with staff, the next step is to seek approval from the Siting Board. The agreement has been filed with the Siting Board. LEEDCo officials expect the permit to be issued later this year.

The six-turbine Icebreaker, which would be the first freshwater offshore wind energy installation in North America, would be located eight miles off the coast of downtown Cleveland. The project has already earned approvals from 13 local, state and federal regulatory agencies on a number of environmental and other requirements.

Construction could begin as early as 2021 although Icebreaker must first receive the permit from the
Siting Board to move forward with installation.

“While there is more work to be done before we can formally proceed, this is a significant milestone for us,” said LEEDCo President Dr. Lorry Wagner.

“This new agreement details the extensive regulations that will govern this project and confirms the Ohio Department of Natural Resources important, ongoing oversight role. We appreciate the agency’s mission to protect wildlife and we look forward to winning approval of the final permit we need in order to construct Icebreaker and thus position Cleveland to becoming a leader in the booming clean energy economy.”

The 20.7MW Icebreaker will comprise six MHI Vestas turbines with a nameplate capacity rating of 3.45MW.