Indiana recognized as wind energy state

The American Wind Energy Association recently named Indiana as the fastest-growing wind energy state in the country.

The state has increased wind power production from zero megawatts in 2008 to more than 500 megawatts so far this year and is planning an additional 3,000 megawatts in projects.

Gov. Mitch Daniels designated this week as Indiana Wind Energy Week. In a statement, Daniels said the week was in celebration of the American Wind Energy Association ranking. The week also corresponds with groundbreakings for two new wind energy farms in western Indiana.

Brad Lystra, outreach specialist for the American Wind Energy Association, said Indiana went from zero to 130 megawatts produced through wind power in 2008. With the completion of a new 400-megawatt project straddling Benton and Tippecanoe counties, Lystra said the two new projects for 2009 could potentially secure a total of 836 megawatts.

“By the end of the year, Indiana could be on par with traditional wind states like the Dakotas and Wyoming,” Lystra said.

Mark Becker, who works for Daniels, said the two new wind energy projects, which together equal 306 megawatts, are set for construction in Benton and White counties. Horizon Wind Energy plans to break ground on a 200-megawatt project in White County, while enXco will begin the 106-megawatt project in Benton County.

Lystra said wind energy has been getting a lot of attention because wind farms produce zero emissions, provide jobs, consume no water and help promote energy independence.

He said the wind industry added 35,000 jobs just last year. By declaring Wind Energy Week, Lystra said he thinks Daniels is saying Indiana supports an industry that can provide green jobs, energy independence and economic prosperity.

“If people are interested in climate change,” Lystra said, “wind is part of the solution.”

The plans for Indiana going green show no signs of slowing down. Becker said that there are 3,000-plus megawatts of additional projects in development. One megawatt of power is equal to 1 million watts, or about 10,000 100-watt light bulbs.

Daniels said he has made homegrown clean energy production a priority. Because Indiana is the fastest-growing state for wind power energy, Lystra said, it is quickly moving up the charts of the top producers, which include Texas, Iowa, California, Minnesota and Washington. Lystra said Indiana could secure a top-20 spot.

“By the end of this year, Indiana could wind up somewhere around 15th in the nation,” Lystra said. “That is no small achievement for a state that had zero wind energy in 2007.”