Wind Energy Job Growth in Oregon

“We can include Iberdrola Renewables in the growing list of companies that are creating jobs in the green economy,” said Sen. Wyden. “Their commitment to wind energy in Oregon is evidence that our belief in clean-energy technology is paying off and that the partnership between federal, state and local governments to support innovative private sector businesses is having success in creating family-wage jobs in the state.”

The free, public event held at OMSI through Fri., Aug. 27, is an opportunity for local families to experience the science and technology that is supporting this growing industry in the Northwest. Educational activities include encounters with wild birds and interactive wind tunnel experiments.

“Congratulations to OMSI and Iberdrola Renewables for teaming up to celebrate clean energy jobs and the future of wind energy. New wind turbines spinning away across the state mean jobs for Oregonians, a boost for local economies, and clean energy for consumers. Thanks to the commitment of our industry partners, educators, and local leaders, Oregon is becoming a national model for renewable energy development,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer.

“Sen. Wyden and Rep. Blumenauer are nationally-recognized policy leaders for renewable energy development. They are creating family-wage careers for technicians who make wind energy work at generation sites in eastern Oregon and for scientists and other professionals who manage the business from offices in Portland,” said Kevin Lynch, director of policy and regulation for Iberdrola Renewables.

Iberdrola Renewables, headquartered in Portland, has more than 450 employees in Oregon and Washington. Visitors to the Wind Power Works! event at OMSI have the opportunity to get a glimpse into the jobs that make wind energy possible:

* Generation dispatchers staff a mini version of Iberdrola Renewables high-tech control center that monitors everything from weather to wildlife activity all over the country, 24/7.

* Meteorologists explain a real meteorology tower used for field surveys that will measure wind capacity at OMSI’s front door.

* Wildlife biologists show rescued raptors from Blue Mountain Wildlife, helping preserve wildlife.

* Junior wind turbine designers experience a wind tunnel with mini turbine models for testing wind energy generation.

“OMSI is pleased to be partnering with Iberdrola Renewables in creating this fun event where our visitors can learn more about the important relationship between energy and the environment,” said OMSI president Nancy Stueber. “Wind energy plays a vital role in our organization’s commitment to more long-term, clean energy sources.”

The Wind Power Works! event is open to visitors at OMSI until 4 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 26 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 27. For more information, visit: www.omsi.edu/events.

Iberdrola Renewables, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is the second largest provider of wind energy in the country with more than 3,800 megawatts (MW) of wind power and 850 employees in the United States. In the Northwest alone, Iberdrola Renewables has 1,596 MW of wind power in operation and construction in 2010 with more than 450 employees in Oregon and Washington.

Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us.

www.iberdrolarenewables.us

www.omsi.edu