August 11, 2007
Minnesota
Minnesota
Wind is apparently a hot commodity in the Kenyon area.
Just months after the state approved a nine-turbine wind farm in Kenyon and Cherry Grove townships, a company has expressed interest in harvesting wind energy from that same region.
Goodhue County commissioners on Thursday approved a conditional-use permit allowing Horizon Wind Energy to construct a temporary meteorological test pole in Kenyon Township.
The 197-foot pole – which can remain on the site for up to five years – is on property owned by Lois Herrlich. It will provide a preliminary assessment of the local wind resources.
Company officials are looking to garner four years of uninterrupted wind data, according to a letter submitted to the County Board.
“Today’s a pretty clear reason why people are looking at this area for capturing wind power,” said Commissioner Dan Rechtzigel as strong winds whipped through the fairgrounds.
Horizon Wind has not formally said whether it intends to build a wind farm in the area. The company does have wind farms in several states, including Minnesota.
Just southeast of Austin, Minn., the company operates a 61-turbine farm that generates enough power for 36,000 homes.
Goodhue County officials are currently considering an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance to establish regulations for wind energy conversion systems, including meteorological test poles.
The amendment will come before the board in September.
By Jen Cullen
10 August 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/08/11/kenyon-winds-lure-new-interest/