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Wind Generation
Wisconsin Public Service has been harnessing the power of the wind for more than a decade. Now, to help meet renewable energy requirements, the utility is purchasing additional wind turbines.
With new renewable energy requirements for utilities in Wisconsin as well as other states, competition for wind sites and equipment is growing. Wind, solar and biofuel are all options to meet these requirements, but wind is the most viable option.
The key to effective wind generation is threefold: a location with sufficient wind, proximity to electric transmission facilities and a community that's receptive to having wind farms nearby.
Current wind projects by Wisconsin Public Service are the following:
- Glenmore Wind Energy Facility. In 1998, Wisconsin Public Service built two wind turbines on a farm near Green Bay. The company wanted to determine the feasibility of wind generation in Wisconsin. To operate at full capacity, the turbines need consistent 30 mph winds. Together, they are capable of generating 1,200 kilowatts of electricity and meeting the needs of about 450 homes.
- Lincoln Wind Energy Facility. In the Town of Lincoln, Wisconsin, 14 wind turbines make electricity for customers of Wisconsin Public Service. This wind farm was built in response to Wisconsin Act 204, in 1997, which required additional renewable generation. At full power, the Lincoln Wind Energy Facility can generate 9 megawatts of electricity - enough to power 3,600 average homes.
- Forward Wind Energy Center. Wisconsin Public Service will be purchasing about half the wind produced by 86 wind turbines in northern Dodge and southern Fond du Lac counties in Wisconsin. Construction on the project is close to completion. If the turbines operate at full capacity, that will be 64.5 megawatts of power for the utility's customers, or enough to power 20,000 households. Most of this will be used for customers who choose the Wisconsin Public Service or Upper Peninsula Power Company NatureWise program. NatureWise gives environmentally focused customers the power to bring more renewable energy to their community.
- High Country Wind Project. In 2008, Wisconsin Public Service announced it would acquire a 150-megawatt portion of the High Country Wind Energy Park project, bordering Dodge and Olmsted counties in Minnesota. The project is expected to be operating by the time the Midwest Independent System Operator interconnection is ready to transmit the electricity it produces. Construction will begin in 2012. The energy from the wind farm, at full power, will be enough to power 44,000 homes. All energy from the farm will be delivered to the area served by Wisconsin Public Service.
- Crane Creek Wind Project. In 2008, Wisconsin Public Service announced plans to build a 99-megawatt wind farm near Riceville, Iowa. Development and construction of the project is contracted to enXco, a California-based company specializing in wind construction. Construction should begin in 2008 or early 2009. Company employees look forward to working with the Riceville community to ensure the wind farm is a good neighbor.