Show Me The Wind: Missouri Town May be First To Go 100% Wind
The tiny town of Rock Port, MO (pop. 1,395) has entered the renewable energy big leagues with its plan to get all of its electricity from wind power.
With the help of the Wind Capital Group to build the wind farm and John Deere Wind Energy to finance it, Rock Port may be the first town in the nation to get all of its electricity from wind power. The town will rely on four Suzlon brand wind turbines, generating up to 5 MW. Any extra electricity produced will be sold to the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MUPA), which will distribute it to a collection of communities. Conversely, if wind power can’t keep up with Rock Port’s demand (for example, during an extended hot spell), MUPA will provide it with extra energy. But on average, the four turbines are expected to support at least 100 percent of the town’s needs. Roger Pennel of Rock Port’s R&L Country Fresh Meat told the local ABC affiliate:
"Hopefully we can be the number one renewable county in the world…It’s just one step closer to rural America coming back.”
The turbines are expected to be up and spinning this summer.
