Texas is now the nation’s leader in wind-generated energy

Although the multi-national conglomerates are often accused of doing nothing beneficial for the enviroment unless they are legislated to do so, there are some interesting exceptions. It seems that the corporate world is starting to realise our over dependence on fossil fuels is dangerous ( for the planet and the number crunchers bottom lines).

For instance, this week GE Energy Financial Services (an investment arm of General Electric Co), has stated that they will invest in a $350 million wind-generation project to supply the city of Austin, TX with renewable energy. The wind farm, developed by Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES Group, UK - one of the world’s leading wind energy companies), is set to begin construction this month in Shackelford County about 30 miles northeast of Abilene. The farm will have 72 2.3 megawatt wind turbines and is expected to produce enough power every year to support 39,000 homes. There will be a 15-yr power purchase agreement in place with Austin.

RES has built over 1000MW of wind capacity in the United States, including the world’s largest single wind farm at King Mountain, Upton County, West Texas in 2001 ( a 278.2 MW facility -enoughn to power approx 66,000 homes!) Texas is now the nation’s leader in wind-generated energy. Although the USA has been criticised for joining the energy consevation party a little late compared to Europe and other parts of the world it looks like they are making up for it now!

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Tags: Energy, General Electric, Renewable, Renewable energy, Wind, Wind power, Wind turbine