Bigger in Texas: the world's largest wind farm
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: NBC
While oil is still king in Texas, there's a new energy boom underway -- wind energy. The plains of West Texas, are quickly becoming the nation's wind energy capital.
Each of the 426 wind turbines in Horse Hollow, the world's largest wind farm, generates 1.5 megawatts per hour -- about as much as a home would consume in an entire month. The 69,000 acre wind farm spans two counties. PC's control the hi-tech windmills at their base. The operator can control the top, which is the nacelle, moving it left or right, and pitch the blades up or down. The technology is simple -- the wind turns the blades around a rotor which is connected to the main shaft. The shaft spins a generator, creating electricity.
Leasing space for the turbines generates financial opportunity for landowners like Raymond McDaniel. He has 50 turbines earning thousands of extra dollars for his ranch. "If you know anything about agriculture today, and beef production, and that's what this ranch is -- times have not been too good for cattle operations and this has been just a lifesaver for us." Not all of his neighbors agree. Those who didn't lease their land for wind turbines say the windmills impact their quality of life. In fact, neighbor Dale Rankin sued. He lost. "It's a battle of people who sold out their neighbors --- for money, and the neighbors who don't appreciate being sold out and having their property devalued and their view and noise level destroyed... by their neighbors."
The cattle seem unfazed, using the turbine's shade as relief from the sun.
Wind energy's potential for growth is limited by the need for lots of space and wind, and by people who don't want to see this boom in their backyards.
