Compass Wind is a community based wind developer focused on creating new sources of clean renewable energy at the local level. We partner with landowners, electric cooperatives, regional utilities, local banks and the community at large to build economic and environmentally responsible wind generation projects.
EXPERIENCE
Our development team is comprised of seasoned professionals with expertise in complementary areas:
- Energy finance – as the former core group of a leading wind finance bank, our creative approach has been rewarded with mandates to lead multiple energy deals including wind project financings that won “Renewables Deal of the Year” in 2002 and 2004.
- Rural distribution systems - our engineers add GIS mapping, system planning, substation and relaying, and transmission and distribution expertise.
- Land affairs - our developers on the ground focus on site development, permitting and environmental issues.
BUSINESS APPROACH
Working in partnership with the local community, Compass Wind develops a combination of community based sites (up to 30 megawatts) and larger scale sites suited to private ownership. This approach creates economic efficiencies found in utility scale projects the benefits of which include:
- Bulk purchasing of turbines and equipment.
- Construction scheduling benefits found in multiple sites.
- Availability of institutional financing sources for a diversified portfolio of assets.
SHAREHOLDERS
Established in 2007, Compass Wind formed a strategic partnership with EBF & Associates which became a major Compass Wind shareholder in the Fall of that year. EBF is a Minnesota based private equity firm experienced in both conventional generation (eg. combined cycle gas) and renewable energy development. Our relationship with EBF brings flexibility to work with landowners and communities outside the stricter parameters and various approval layers imposed by outside financial institutions. This means increased agility and quicker approval and execution times. EBF was founded in 1988 and is known for its focus on partnering with experienced management, quick feedback on investment opportunities, and a flexible investment horizon.