Request for renewable energy projects on NCORPE land comes up empty

Officials with NCORPE reacted with shock and surprise when their request for proposals (RFP) for wind and/or solar projects on its 16,000 acres of land failed to draw even one proposal. 

Kyle Shepherd, general manager of NCORPE (Nebraska Cooperative Republican Platte Enhancement Project), said 10-15 companies expressed interest in developing projects on the site. But when it came down to it, none of them submitted any proposals. 

Shepherd said they’ve been working with the renewable energy division of HDR, an Omaha-based company specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services around the world.

Shepherd said HDR helped develop the RFP that went out June 22 with a submittal deadline of July 14. 

Shepherd said even the HDR consultants were shocked that not one proposal was submitted. 

He said the company is polling companies that expressed interest in hopes of determining why no bids were received.

Shepherd said their initial impression is simply the timing of the RFP.  With summer being a prime construction period, it’s possible this wasn’t a good time of year to seek proposals. 

Renewable energy officials at Nebraska Public Power District in Columbus were also shocked there were no proposals, according to NPPD spokesman Mark Becker. 

He said NPPD offered their support for development of renewable energy sources on NCORPE land. 

The project sits among three power districts—Dawson Public Power, Midwest Electric Cooperative and McCook Public Power. The bulk of the project is served by Dawson and Midwest, Becker said. 

Wind and solar potential

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