05/19/08

Wind energy is alive and well in Idaho as turbines are being installed in various locations throughout the state.

Nationally speaking, a recent report by the Energy Department states that wind turbines will produce a fifth of the nation's annual electricity within a few decades.

Crews say that each turbine takes five hours to install pending on wind conditions.

Alex Herrera, crew forman said, "Our heaviest pick is 180,000 with our lightest being 80,000. The diameter of the rotor is 88 meters and the towers are about 300 feet tall."

John Deere funded this project as they have twenty turbines in Mountain Home and fourteen near Hagerman.

The iron workers union including local 27 and 732 are erecting the turbines in this project.

Erik Johnsen, Construction Manager for John Deere Wind Energy said, "The power from these turbines will go into the local power and that it goes to wherever the load is actually. Power cannot be store really. It's used as soon as it's produced."

Johansen says that the government has a 'production tax credit' worth two cents per kilowatt produced. This makes wind energy feasible, cost-effective and is currently up for a one year extension. Crews predict that the turbines will be working this coming winter.

Brittany Cooper - KMVT News.