Texas Windmill Farms

On a flight to the NW earlier this month, I saw a huge windmill farm in central Texas. I was surprised at the number of windmills and the expanse of land it covered. Turns out I was viewing the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, near Abilene, the largest windmill farm in the world, covering 47,000 acres of land (see Texas Wind Energy). It generates 735 megawatts of power. Seems impressive until you realize that a typical gas powered electric generating plant produces 500 megawatts. Still, a windmill farm doesn't have to pay for the gas or coal to fire the plant.

Here's a link to some information on the Trent Mesa farm, also near Abeline. There is a 2 min. Windows Media video that gives a overview of the turbines, blades, acreage, power capacity, etc. of the farm.