Wyoming Emerging As Key Hub For Wind Power Generation

Cheyenne, WY (AHN) - As Wyoming shifts to wind power as its main source of energy, land has appreciated in the state, leading landowners to band together as they deal with real estate agents for wind power developers.

So far eight Wyoming wind associations have been formed, while similar groups have also been established in Colorado, Montana and New Mexico. Among the birthing pains of new organizations like the Bordeaux Wind Energy Association is ranchers are just learning to be open about discussing money matters since landowners traditionally dealt individually with prospective land buyers.

The rush of wind developers to tap wind power in the state as part of the U.S. shift toward green source of energy will affect majority of Wyoming ranchers as their lands will either host the turbines or will require a portion to serve as easement leading to the windmills.

On Sept. 30, Duke Energy Corporation of North Carolina dedicated its first wind farm in Wyoming, the Happy Jack Wind Farm near Cheyenne. The wind turbine being built is expected to generate over 500 megawatts of energy by the end of 2008. Its second project, the Campbell Hill venture, will feature 66 wind turbines that could generate up to 99 megawatts of electricity late next year.

Wouter van Kempen, president of Duke Energy, at the dedication rite for the Happy Jack Wind Farm, said, quoted by Wyoming Business Report, "Projects like this offer tangible proof in my mind that we can change the ultimate trajectory of power generation in our country and overcome and rise above obstacles that we find in our way."

Kempen added Duke Energy is trying out other forms on renewable technologies, but will concentrate on wind power.