Wind mills and wind energy is nothing new. They've been around forever. Every ranch and farm had one or two used to pump
water deep underground for the homesteaders back at the turn of the century -- the 20th Century. But with rural electricty, they
became ornaments and landmarks of old technology. But now wind energy has become big business and wind farms are being
built accross the entire country. The plains states with massive unobstructed prairie land, especially in North Dakota, Eastern
Montana and Kansas, are in a postion to be the leaders in wind farms.
MONTANA WIND PROJECTS
Source: Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Two wind projects have gone online since 2005;
Numerous smaller distributed wind energy projects are dispersed across the state.
Other big planned developments include:
STATE INCENTIVES
Montana adopted a state renewable energy portfolio standard in 2005 requiring 15%renewable power by 2015. Listed below
are other incentives available from the state of Montana:
Source: American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
Wind power is a reality today. More than 2,400 megawatts of wind generation –enough to serve more than 650,000 average
American homes – was installed in the United States in 2005 alone. Wind energy can provide as much as 20% of the nation’s
electricity. With continued government encouragement to accelerate its development, this increasingly competitive source of
energy will provide at least six percent of the nation’s electricity by 2020 and revitalize farms and rural communities – without
consuming any natural resource or emitting any pollution or greenhouse gases. Wind energy works for our economy,
environment, and energy security.
Wind power is a reality today
Growing rapidly worldwide on a percentage basis (29% annually for last five years – 2001-2005)
More than 2,400 megawatts of wind generation – enough to serve more than 650,000 average American homes – was
installed in the United States in 2005 alone.
water deep underground for the homesteaders back at the turn of the century -- the 20th Century. But with rural electricty, they
became ornaments and landmarks of old technology. But now wind energy has become big business and wind farms are being
built accross the entire country. The plains states with massive unobstructed prairie land, especially in North Dakota, Eastern
Montana and Kansas, are in a postion to be the leaders in wind farms.
MONTANA WIND PROJECTS
Source: Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Two wind projects have gone online since 2005;
- Horseshoe Bend Wind Park project (9MWin CascadeCounty)
Judith Gap project -- mentioned above (135MWin Wheatland County) moved Montana from a ranking of 50th to 15th in the
nation inwind energy out put.
Numerous smaller distributed wind energy projects are dispersed across the state.
Other big planned developments include:
- Valley County: 500MW Jefferson County: 35MW
Stillwater County: 400-450MW
Glacier County: 175MW
Toole County: 120MW
Meagher/Wheatland Counties: 50-100MW
STATE INCENTIVES
Montana adopted a state renewable energy portfolio standard in 2005 requiring 15%renewable power by 2015. Listed below
are other incentives available from the state of Montana:
- 15-6-201(4) MCA Property tax exemption for buildings using renewable energy.
15-6-225 MCA Property tax exemption for renewable generating facilities under 1MW.
15-24-1401 MCA Property tax reduction for renewable generating facilities 1MW or more.
15-31-124 MCA New or expanded industry tax credit.
15-32-201 MCA Tax credits for individuals installing non-fossil forms of generation.
15-32-401 MCA Alternative energy investment tax credit.
15-72-104 MCA Exemption from wholesale energy transaction tax.
- ____________________________________________________________
Source: American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
Wind power is a reality today. More than 2,400 megawatts of wind generation –enough to serve more than 650,000 average
American homes – was installed in the United States in 2005 alone. Wind energy can provide as much as 20% of the nation’s
electricity. With continued government encouragement to accelerate its development, this increasingly competitive source of
energy will provide at least six percent of the nation’s electricity by 2020 and revitalize farms and rural communities – without
consuming any natural resource or emitting any pollution or greenhouse gases. Wind energy works for our economy,
environment, and energy security.
Wind power is a reality today
Growing rapidly worldwide on a percentage basis (29% annually for last five years – 2001-2005)
- Total installed U.S. wind capacity at year's end 2005 was 9,149 MW, or enough to serve the equivalent of 2.3 million
average households - Globally, 11,769 MW of new wind capacity was added in 2005. Current installed capacity worldwide at the end of 2005
was 59,322 MW. - Denmark, some regions of Spain, and Germany now have 10% to 25% of electricity generated from wind power
More than 2,400 megawatts of wind generation – enough to serve more than 650,000 average American homes – was
installed in the United States in 2005 alone.
- Nearly 25 billion kWh of electricity will be generated by wind power in the U.S. in 2006 (AWEA estimate) – enough for the
equivalent of 2.3 million average American homes (a single new 1-MW turbine generates as much electricity as250 to
300 average homes use).
Some of the biggest energy successes materialize out of thin air. When the wind blows, wind
turbines are able to operate with higher efficiency and reliability than ever before. In fact, one
1.5MW turbine can produce enough electricity for about 400 homes each year. With blade rotors
that sweep an area almost as large as a football field, and an overall reach that is as tall as a
30-story building, these wind turbines can be developed in large-scale "farms" to provide power.
Worldwide, about 85 percent of wind generation capacity is split between Europe (70 percent) and
the United States (15 percent). In the U.S., although the cost of wind energy is becoming
increasingly competitive with other power generation such as natural gas and coal, it has
penetrated less than 1 percent of U.S. generated electricity. However, last year, many top wind
mangement firms stated that wind energy could one day supply up to 20% of the nation's power.
The European targets for wind power growth are substantial. Wind is projected to deliver 33
percent of all new electricity generation capacity and provide electricity for 86 million Europeans by
2010.
turbines are able to operate with higher efficiency and reliability than ever before. In fact, one
1.5MW turbine can produce enough electricity for about 400 homes each year. With blade rotors
that sweep an area almost as large as a football field, and an overall reach that is as tall as a
30-story building, these wind turbines can be developed in large-scale "farms" to provide power.
Worldwide, about 85 percent of wind generation capacity is split between Europe (70 percent) and
the United States (15 percent). In the U.S., although the cost of wind energy is becoming
increasingly competitive with other power generation such as natural gas and coal, it has
penetrated less than 1 percent of U.S. generated electricity. However, last year, many top wind
mangement firms stated that wind energy could one day supply up to 20% of the nation's power.
The European targets for wind power growth are substantial. Wind is projected to deliver 33
percent of all new electricity generation capacity and provide electricity for 86 million Europeans by
2010.
U.S. winds could generate more electricity in 15 years than all of
Saudi Arabia's oil, without being depleted . . . . and Montana leads
the nation in wind energy power potential . . .
Saudi Arabia's oil, without being depleted . . . . and Montana leads
the nation in wind energy power potential . . .
| To generate the same amount of electricity as a single 1-MW wind turbine for 20 years would require burning 29,000 tons of coal (a line of 10-ton trucks 11 miles long) or 92,000 barrels of oil |
Energy
Out of Thin Air
Out of Thin Air
| “Wind is the fastest growing industry in the energy sector. Montana is at the center of North America’s wind heartland and is rated number one in the nation for Class 3 wind and above. Much of it's wind has yet to be tapped and represents a great investment opportunity." |
| Information in part provided by the Montana Department of Economic Development. "Montana is Wind Country." Judith Gap Wind Farm photos courtesy John Bacon/Invenergy, LLC. |
Judith Basin
The Judith Gap wind energy center of Montana is
off Hwy 191 between Great Falls and Billings is
the mother lode of wind turbine "farms," and a
spectacular site as you come over the last hill
and are greeted with the site of 90 giant wind
turbines spread over an 8,300-acre site. They
stand 360 feet high and each of the blades, 127
feet long, automatically adjusts rotation up
to1,400 revolutions per minute. Peak power is
1,500 watts per turbine, producing about 600
volts of alternating current.
off Hwy 191 between Great Falls and Billings is
the mother lode of wind turbine "farms," and a
spectacular site as you come over the last hill
and are greeted with the site of 90 giant wind
turbines spread over an 8,300-acre site. They
stand 360 feet high and each of the blades, 127
feet long, automatically adjusts rotation up
to1,400 revolutions per minute. Peak power is
1,500 watts per turbine, producing about 600
volts of alternating current.
The Judith Gap center was built in about seven months, breaking ground in June of 2005 and
starting generation in December of the same year. Overall cost of the project was $180 million,
but that's expected be paid off in 10 years. Judith Gap Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Invenergy,
based in Chicago, produces 230,000 volts for the Northwestern Energy power grid between
Billings and Great Falls.
starting generation in December of the same year. Overall cost of the project was $180 million,
but that's expected be paid off in 10 years. Judith Gap Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Invenergy,
based in Chicago, produces 230,000 volts for the Northwestern Energy power grid between
Billings and Great Falls.
- 2005’s new installations include:
- The 50-MW Kumeyaay Wind Power Project near San Diego, the largest
project built on Indian land in the U.S. - Nearly 300 MW of new capacity in Oklahoma, making it the state with the
fifth largest amount of wind power installed - The third largest wind power plant in the U.S., the 210-MW Horse Hollow
Wind Energy Center in Taylor County, Tex. - Two 660-kW wind turbines installed at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base near
Cheyenne, Wyo., and one 660-kW wind turbine installed at the Camp
Williams National Guard facility in Draper, Utah
- Also, in 2005, Pune, India-based wind turbine manufacturer Suzlon held a
groundbreaking ceremony for its new $14 million assembly plant in Pipestone,
Minn. Suzlon has stated that it intends to hire between 100 and 200 employees for
the new plant and that it could supply 400 MW of turbines to the U.S. in 2006. The
announcement suggests wind energy's enormous economic growth potential or
states and signals a significant turnaround, the United States now showing an
ability to lure high-paying manufacturing jobs from overseas, based on the size of
the ultimate market here. - Sales of small residential turbines also growing.
With continued government encouragement to accelerate its development…
…this increasingly competitive source of energy…
…will provide at least six percent of the nation’s electricity by 2020 …
- Enact long-term extension of federal wind production tax credit (PTC) – provides stable financial environment needed to
promote industry’s continued growth (PTC will expire at end of 2007 unless extended). More than $50 billion worth of wind
equipment is now in place worldwide, with another $8-10 billion being added annually. A long-term, stable PTC would
allow companies to plan and build manufacturing capacity in the U.S. to supply this global market. - Transmission policy agenda: (1) reform electricity market rules to allow nondiscriminatory access to transmission system
for wind-generated electricity; (2) targeted upgrades and new transmission lines to remove “bottlenecks” in existing
system; and (3) ultimately, major investment in new transmission – “wind pipelines” – to tap the immense resources of
the Great Plains and West - Enact national renewables portfolio standard (RPS) of at least 10% by 2020 – low-cost, market-friendly way to boost clean
energy sources (20 states and District of Columbia now have RPS policies) - Provide incentive for purchase of small wind turbines – 30% federal investment tax credit, state cost-share programs
- Maintain consistent research funding
- Access to low-cost financing
- Federal renewable energy procurement – federal leadership needed in green power purchases
- State incentives – Texas RPS (5,880 MW of renewables by 2015), New York RPS (increase renewables from 17% of state’
s electricity use to 25% by 2012) and New York government procurement (10% by 2005, 20% by 2010), California RPS
(increase renewables from 12% of state’s electricity use to 20% by 2017), - others – can play major role
…this increasingly competitive source of energy…
- With its federal incentive, "large" wind is now in a competitive range (3-7 cents per kilowatt-hour, depending on the project
size and average wind speed at the site) - Wind is "inflation-proof" – once a wind plant is built, the cost of energy is known, and is not affected by fuel market price
volatility - Technology is steadily improving (rotor blade airfoils specially designed for wind turbines, variable-speed generators,
power electronics, sophisticated computer modeling of design changes) - New, larger turbines (1 MW to 3 MW) generate 120 times as much electricity as 1980s models at one-sixth the cost
- Wind plants can be built quickly to respond to electricity shortages
- In windy areas, small machines are most economical self-generation option
…will provide at least six percent of the nation’s electricity by 2020 …
- Enough electricity for 25 million homes
- 100,000 MW (or more than 15 times existing capacity at end of 2004)
- Nearly as much electricity as hydropower supplies today
- European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) now believes 100,000 MW of wind can be installed in Europe by 2010
…and revitalize farms and rural communities …
- Each megawatt of wind can provide $2,000-$4,000/year or more in farm
income even though only 2-5% of the land within wind farm boundary is
used for turbines and access roads. - Wind plants can be valuable source of property tax income for local
governments (especially rural counties) - Wind energy helps diversify income for farmers, ranchers, and other
landowners - Each megawatt of wind provides 2.5-3 job-years of employment
- Wind provides ~1 skilled O&M (operations/maintenance) job for every
10 turbines installed.
. . . reduce volatility in natural gas prices . . .
…and increase the security of U.S. electricity supply
…without consuming any natural resource or emitting any greenhouse gases.
…or causing any other significant environmental impact.
Assumptions:
- 33% average capacity factor assumed for machines installed in 2005.
- 31% average capacity factor assumed for entire turbine fleet
- Average annual household consumption (U.S.) = 10,656 kWh
- 10-ton truck is 20 feet long
- Natural gas supplies in North America are being depleted
- AWEA estimates that an installed capacity of 9,149 MW of wind power will save over half a billion cubic feet of natural gas
per day (Bcf/day) in 2006, alleviating a portion of the supply pressure that is now facing the natural gas industry and is
creating volatile fuel prices. - The U.S. currently burns about 13 Bcf/day for electricity generation, which means during 2006, wind power will be
reducing natural gas use for power generation by approximately 5%. - Expanding wind generation and building “wind pipelines” (see above) is one of the quickest, easiest ways to conserve
gas supplies, further reduce price spikes
…and increase the security of U.S. electricity supply
- Domestic energy source
- Inexhaustible supply – U.S. winds could generate more electricity in 15 years than all of Saudi Arabia's oil, without being
depleted - Wind plants consist of small individual generators which cannot easily be damaged at the same time and which are easy
to replace - If a wind plant is damaged, there is no secondary threat to the public (such as in the release of radioactivity, explosions, or
the breaching of a dam)
…without consuming any natural resource or emitting any greenhouse gases.
- Using more wind energy can save water in the arid western U.S. To generate the same amount of electricity as a single 1-
MW wind turbine using either fossil fuels or nuclear power requires, on average, withdrawing roughly 60 million gallons of
water a year from streams, rivers, or aquifers, of which nearly 1 million gallons is lost to evaporation; generating the same
amount with hydropower means the loss of approximately 50 million gallons a year to evaporation - A single 1-MW turbine displaces 1,800 tons of carbon dioxide, the primary global warming pollutant, each year (equivalent
to planting a square mile of forest), based on the current average U.S. utility fuel mix - To generate the same amount of electricity as a single 1-MW turbine using the average U.S. utility fuel mix would mean
emissions of 9 tons of sulfur dioxide and 4 tons of nitrogen oxide each year - To generate the same amount of electricity as a single 1-MW wind turbine for 20 years would require burning 29,000 tons
of coal (a line of 10-ton trucks 11 miles long) or 92,000 barrels of oil - To generate the same amount of electricity as today's U.S. wind turbine fleet (9,149 MW) would require burning 12 million
tons of coal (a line of 10-ton trucks over 4,500 miles long) or 40 million barrels of oil each year - 100,000 MW of wind energy will reduce CO2 production by nearly 150 million tons annually
…or causing any other significant environmental impact.
- Pre-construction site surveys are now standard, reduce threat to birds to minimal levels; cats, hunters, glass windows,
communications towers are far more dangerous to birds - Bat collisions are significant issue only at a few sites where fatalities are unusually high; industry is helping fund cutting-
edge research effort with leading bat conservation group aimed at reducing mortality - Potential habitat (not collision) effect on prairie grouse and grassland songbirds is concern in areas of the Midwest and
West; efforts to reduce potential impacts are implemented on a project-by-project basis; industry is in process of
organizing a cooperative research effort on this issue as well - Minimal footprint, can be placed on working farms or ranches
- No pollution impact on people, wildlife, or habitats
- Noise virtually eliminated – a wind turbine a quarter of a mile away is no noisier than a kitchen refrigerator
Assumptions:
- 33% average capacity factor assumed for machines installed in 2005.
- 31% average capacity factor assumed for entire turbine fleet
- Average annual household consumption (U.S.) = 10,656 kWh
- 10-ton truck is 20 feet long
- ###
Montana is the wind energy capital of the
United States. The national map (right)
shows that Montana has the highest
concentration of wind power potential in the
nation. The Montana map shows the best
wind power locations the state has to offer.
United States. The national map (right)
shows that Montana has the highest
concentration of wind power potential in the
nation. The Montana map shows the best
wind power locations the state has to offer.
Information source and maps provided by the
Governor’s Office of Economic Development
PO Box 200801
Helena, Montana 59620-0801
1-866-442-4968
www.business.mt.gov
Click here for complete "Montana is Wind
Country" PDF
Governor’s Office of Economic Development
PO Box 200801
Helena, Montana 59620-0801
1-866-442-4968
www.business.mt.gov
Click here for complete "Montana is Wind
Country" PDF
Photo courtesy of Billings Gazette
Photo courtesy of Billings Gazette
| ### |
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