We Have The Winds

Alternate Energy In Clinton County

Wind power in Ohio has a long history, and as of 2012, Ohio had 426 MW of utility-scale wind power installations installed. Over 1000 MW more were under construction or pending approval.^[1] Some installations have become tourist attractions. There has been a sudden increase in generating capacity, as total windpower generation in the state in 2010 was just 9.7 MW.

Ohio's first large wind farm, Timber Road II near Payne in northwest Ohio, opened on October 6, 2011.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power_in_Ohio

The Buckeye Wind Farm is located in Champaign County, Ohio and involves the construction of a 125 MW wind farm spread across six townships. Located primarily on farmland, less than 52 acres will be taken out of agriculture production. It is expected to generate renewable energy sufficient to power the equivalent of 40,000 households. Construction is expected to begin in 2013 and the project is expected to be operational by the end of 2013.  Economic Benefits of the Buckeye Wind Project • Approximately $20 million in payments to local governments and school districts over its lifetime • Construction will require local labor and materials and is expected to have a $55 million impact on the region • Approximately $1 million is local goods and services will be required for the yearly maintenance and operation of the project  • Operation and Maintenance will require six to eight full-time workers http://www.everpower.com/projects-buckeye.shtml

Why not in Clinton County?

1.      The highest point in the county with the highest estimated wind speeds is located in the SR 72 corridor that bisects the eastern part of the county. (see green area map below)

2.      My studies of daily wind speed history since 2008 at the nearby  Wilmington Airpark indicate a viable wind energy potential.

3.      The County Commissioners have designated the entire county as an alternate energy zone as a incentive for wind and solar farm developers to invest here.

4.      A landowner in the corridor has agreed to lease land for a wind farm.

5.      A proposed installation of a small, start up 15 turbine, wind farm in the corridor would produce significant annual tax revenue for the county, the school district and the township.  As an example, under the maximum payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) allowed by law of $9 thousand per megawatt (MW) the proposed 45 megawatt wind project In Wilson Twp. would produce new annual revenue of $450,000.

Paul Hunter contact paulhunter45177@gmail.com