Juhl Energy, Inc. announced an agreement with Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc. to develop, install and operate two utility-scale wind turbines that will generate electricity for the plant in Russell's Point, Ohio. Juhl Wind is providing full development services along with construction management of the $8 million project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

Juhl acquired the development asset from Boulder, Colorado-based NexGen Energy Partners in 2011, and Juhl is expected to take ownership in the project under its Juhl Renewable Asset subsidiary. Juhl will be providing oversight of the construction and ongoing operation of the turbines. Once the turbines begin operating later this 2013, the Honda transmission plant will be the first major automotive manufacturing facility in the United States to obtain a substantial amount of its electricity directly from wind turbines located on its property.

The turbines, with blades approximately 160 feet long, will be installed on 260-foot towers on Honda Transmission property, which is suited for a maximum of two wind turbines. An evaluation of the project shows that renewable energy from the two wind turbines will supply approximately 10% of the plant's electricity, while also reducing CO(2) emissions. Studies commissioned by Honda Transmission indicate that wind-generated power is a cost-effective source of electricity for the plant, and that the project will not adversely impact local wildlife or the environment.