Met towers erected near Stockton to measure wind

Three meteorological towers (met towers) have been erected southwest of Stockton to measure wind speeds for the next year.   The measurement project was initiated by  ICG Aeolian Energy LLC, who contracted with Global Energy Concepts to record the wind speeds.

Representatives from both companies have been in the area recently, first to talk to the county commission and economic development director about the project, and then to actually supervise the erection of the towers and installation of equipment.  One years worth of wind data is needed to insure that the wind speeds are sufficient to warrant the placement of wind generators.   It is estimated that if the data indicates there is sufficient wind to justify the cost of the towers, then a wind farm may be placed in the area.

Besides wind, the other necessary ingredient in a successful wind farm is transmission.   Right now a 115 KV line goes through Rooks County, but that would not be sufficient for a large-scale farm.  It would be sufficient, however, to begin placing 25-30 towers at this time.   Long-range transmission plans call for a new 345 KV line to run through Rooks County in the future, and that could spur further development.

Because of the demand for wind turbines, best estimates would put completion dates for a project like this into possibly as late as 2011.