Mortenson recently held a Catch the Wind presentation at the Hebron Public School. The purpose of this presentation was to teach the students living in the area about wind energy and the construction process. Mortenson team members from the Sunflower Wind project near Hebron, North Dakota organized the event, hosting approximately 100 elementary school children, along with teachers and Superintendent Timothy M. Van Tasel.  

The presentation included the basics of wind energy, the process and benefits of building a wind energy plant, where wind energy plants are typically built, and basic safety in construction. Timmy the Turbine also made a guest appearance and led the students in a Stretch and Bend exercise, which takes place daily on all Mortenson construction sites and is a key part of our safety program. Each student received a construction hat, safety vest, and “Catch the Wind” book, which teaches readers about wind energy and the importance of making environmentally responsible choices.

Mortenson, along with the Sunflower Wind owner Novatus Energy, LLC and other project partners were able to further assist Hebron Public Schools in four priority projects, including the purchase of library books, Microsoft Surfaces and an LED sign to promote school activities, and with updating their wireless systems. Our team also facilitated a food drive to benefit the local food shelf in Hebron. “Stewardship is one of Mortenson’s core values and it is rewarding to see it happen organically like it did on this project,” said Construction Executive Ross Montgomery.

The Sunflower Wind project will generate 104 megawatts of clean energy, consisting of 52 Vestas V110, 2.0 megawatt wind turbines. Mortenson self-performed all civil, foundation, and erection work. Included in the project scope was the:

• Design of the wind plant and all ancillary facilities
• Upgrade and construction of existing public roads and new access roads to support delivery of turbine parts and construction materials and future operations 
• Installation of 52 concrete foundations and 52 Vestas V110, 2.0 megawatt wind turbine generators with an 80-meter hub height
• Nearly 25 circuit miles of 34.5 kV underground collection system to carry the energy produced at the wind turbine to the project substation
• Construction of a new 34.5 kV to 230 kV project substation and 230 kV transmission line from the project substation to the point of interconnect
• Construction of the projects communications system, two new meteorological towers and an operations and maintenance building

“Overseeing the Sunflower Wind Project has been a great experience,” said Montgomery. “I had the opportunity to witness first-hand the positive impact our project team has made on the local community of Hebron.”