Originally published April 21 2005
Idaho is turning to wind power and solar power to fill its energy needs
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Though Southern Idaho is suffering from a water shortage, there is no shortage of wind in that region of the state. In fact, with the consistent wind blowing through the area, Idaho ranks 13th in wind power potential and the state is starting to take advantage of it. Idaho Power Company is planning to build a 200 megawatt wind farm in the next two years. Exergy Company already has a 10.5-megawatt farm and they are planning four more just like it. And there are plans to build 11 wind farms around Boise, creating up to 750 megawatts of power; enough to power 175,000 homes.
As Southern Idaho's dwindling water supply continues to cause heartache across the region, there is one very plentiful resource that is only beginning to be tapped.
Bob Lewandowski was the first to recognize the potential for wind power more than 30 years ago after watching his father's crops and topsoil blow away year after year at the farm in Elmore County between Mountain Home and Boise.
Lewandowski knew there was a way to harness the ever-menacing wind.
In October 2002, after Idaho Power Company agreed to purchase power he produced, Lewandowski raised Idaho's first commercial wind turbine.
Combined, they churn out enough electricity to supply the needs of 66 average Idaho homes.
The Idaho Energy Division also recognized Idaho's wind power potential early on and in 2002, received a federal grant to conduct wind assessments throughout the state.
Idaho ranks 13th in the nation for wind power potential and utility companies serving the southern part of the state are making plans to include more wind generated electricity in their portfolios.
For instance, Idaho Power Company is soliciting bids to build 200 megawatts of wind power over the next two years.
Idaho's second commercial wind farm went on line earlier this year.
Fossil Gulch wind farm outside Hagerman is a utility scale facility capable of generating 10.5 megawatts of power.
The seven massive turbines, each standing 262 feet tall with 123-foot long blades are visible for miles around.
Exergy Development is already making plans to build four more wind farms of equal size nearby, meaning in the near future, 52.5 megawatts of electricity---enough to power nearly 12,250 homes---could be generated by wind turbines in the Hagerman area alone.
Michael Keckler is the Public Information Officer, Idaho Department of Water Resources.
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