TOPIC 'Wind Power' on Oct 20, 2008 (CEST)
Kansas Wind to Save State’s Economy
As yet another example of what renewable energy technologies can do for an economy, a $340 million wind farm is being constructed in Salina, Kansas and paid for by Horizon Wind Energy, based in Houston, Texas. Kansas is a state known for its wind, among other things, such as its native prairie and flat lands. To give you an idea how much potential is available in Kansas that is yet to be tapped, as a state it ranks third in “wind potential” but 12th as far as wind technology development goes. There is a lot of opportunity in Kansas.
The Meridian Way Wind Farm in Salina is set to contain 67 wind turbine units to produce a total capacity of 201 megawatts. Participants involved were so excited, they signed their names to the first wind blades. State Representative Elaine Bowers knows that this wind farm will produce jobs and bring in capital to her district, as well as the State of Kansas. Along with jobs and a positive effect on the economy, this wind farm in north-central Kansas will also reduce fuel dependency in the area and maintain the power cost, not increase it.
Here is a major plus: It has been estimated by Horizon Wind Energy that the amount of pollution reduced due to this wind farm will be equivalent to removing 60,000 cars from the roads and highways. That is an amazing statistic!
When all 67 turbines are up and running, expected by the end of 2008, the amount of energy produced by the Meridian Way Wind Farm would be able to power 60,000 homes. Meridian has two basic customers for this plant: Westar Energy from Topeka, Kansas, and Empire District Electric from Joplin, Missouri.
The construction of the wind farm created 200 jobs and the wind farm itself will need at least 20 full time employees to operate it. A training program at a local college is readying prospective employees for their new roles at the wind farm. This project also produces income for the landowners who are leasing their land for wind turbine use. It’s a win-win situation on all counts.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
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