Wind Energy

Wind Road Show in Wyoming

So this past week, the wind energy industry organized a road show to get the facts out. With sessions in Cheyenne and Casper, and good barbecue to fuel the information sharing and networking, industry members, landowners and others told the wind story–in particular, how it could help Wyoming.

The sessions were organized by AWEA, the Wyoming Power Producers Coalition, and the Interwest Energy Alliance. Several companies came out to meet, greet and support the effort, including Wasatch Wind, Vestas, Iberdrola, Invenergy, REpower, Pacificorp, and Duke Energy, among others who have invested or are interested in investing in Wyoming.

Presentations covered a market outlook and policy overview, a case study on wind and economic development in Lamar, Colo., the perspectives of landowners with wind turbines on their properties, and an update on transmission planning from the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority.

Over the two events we saw about 150 people, including a dozen state legislators, another 8 or so local elected officials, and Matt Mead, candidate for governor.

The wind industry has many benefits to offer Wyoming, and a great story to tell. This week we made solid progress in spreading the good word.

By Susan Williams Sloan, www.awea.org/blog/