Nebraska partners break ground on state's largest wind farm

Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns topped the list of dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony May 9 near Kimball, Neb., as construction on the state's largest wind farm got under way.

Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns (foreground) digs a shovel-full of dirt to kick off groundbreaking ceremonies at the Kimball, Neb., wind farm.

MEAN operations

The Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, an entity of NMPP Energy, will own and operate the 10.5-megawatt wind farm consisting of seven turbines, located two miles northwest of Kimball. The wind farm is expected to generate about 2 to 3 percent of MEAN's total energy requirements. Each turbine will generate about 1.5 megawatts and will cost $1.5 million to $2 million to construct. The annual output will provide energy for nearly 4,000 homes. Western operations and power marketing staff are working to integrate the wind farm into the local control area.

Environmentally friendly

"We were pleased that Gov. Johanns was able to take part in the ceremony," said Richard Duxbury, NMPP Energy executive director. "He has been a long-time supporter of renewable energy opportunities in Nebraska." Duxbury added, "This project will be a great benefit to the environment and a cost-effective means of alternative energy for our members and their ratepayers."

Bill Leung, MEAN's chief operating officer said, "Wind energy is a viable alternative for a portion of our electric generation needs. With this project, MEAN will continue to be a leader in the energy field."

TVIG to lead construction

Workers make adjustments to steel bolts at the bottom of the tower foundation hole that will hold the 1.5 MW wind turbine and tower in place at the NMPP Energy/MEAN Wind Farm west of Kimball, Neb. (Photo by Sherry Blanche, Western Nebraska Observer)

The project will be the largest wind farm in Nebraska, according to Leung, and is being built in conjunction with the Tennessee Valley Infrastructure Group. The TVIG is a consortium supported by the Tennessee Valley Authority and equipment manufacturers.

"We know the utility business and the demands of a utility," said Ben Fischer, senior project developer of the Chattanooga-based TVIG. "These high-tech wind turbines can efficiently convert wind energy, thereby generating more energy production throughout the life of the wind farm than previous models."

Friendly winds

When fully operational, the project will have a total of 20 windmills that will produce enough electricity to power about 10,000 homes each year.

The project is expected to cost up to $15 million to build, but it will generate power during windy periods with far less operating expense than conventional power plants.

"Not only will the project bring economic benefits to the Kimball area, but it will clearly demonstrate the benefits that wind power can bring to farming and ranching operations," Gov. Johanns said.

The wind turbines rest on 230-foot towers with 236-foot diameter three-bladed rotors. The span of the wind blades is wider than those on a Boeing 747.

The Nebraska windmills will coexist with cattle-grazing ranches and provide another source of revenue for the farms on which they sit.

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