Alternative tax credit qualification — pilot project

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the commission shall establish a pilot project which will allow for a wind energy production tax credit of one and one-half cents multiplied by the number of kilowatt-hours of qualified electricity sold or used for on-site consumption by up to two qualified facilities selected for participation in the project. To be eligible for the project, a qualified facility shall meet all eligibility requirements otherwise applicable pursuant to this chapter, and in addition shall be located in a county in this state with a population of between forty-four thousand one hundred fifty and forty-four thousand five hundred based on the 2006 census, and with a combined nameplate generating capacity of at least one megawatt per applicant. For purposes of the pilot project, the two megawatt minimum requirement for qualification pursuant to section 476B.1, subsection 4, paragraph “d”, shall not be applicable. The commission shall reduce the remaining credits available under this chapter by a dollar amount equal to the amount of credits awarded pursuant to the project.