11-18 FB Idaho Wind Power

 Is wind a viable energy source in Idaho?  A major company is betting megabucks on the potential for megawatts . I’m David Sparks and I’ll tell you who in a minute. According to Magic Valley.com, Idaho ranks 13th in the nation for wind power development potential and Exergy Development Group recently broke ground on a $500 million complex of wind farms near Hagerman, Bliss and Burley. The effort was backed by global giant GE Energy Financial Service. The Oregon Trail Wind Farm, scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, will include 122 turbine housings the size of small buildings and 366 turbine blades, which are taller than a 10-story structure. The complex will create up to 175 jobs and power about 39,700 homes. Average wind speed in Idaho cities varies between 10.7 mph in Boise and a little over 4 in Sandpoint. Senior Energy Specialist for Idaho’s Office of Energy Resources, John Crockett says theer’s a mathematical equation for wind: “If you remember your math it’s the cube of the velocity so it’s very important that you have high wind speeds with wind power. Big is better and high wind speeds.”