Elk River Wind is a noteworthy power generation facility, ranked 1660th among over 10,000 plants in the United States. With a capacity of 150 MW, it positions itself as the 267th largest wind facility out of 1142 in the country. This plant, commissioned in 2006, contributes a small but significant 0.01% to the national energy capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Despite being a minor player in the vast network of U.S. energy production, Elk River Wind underscores the importance of wind energy in a landscape where natural gas remains the dominant fuel source. The technology utilized at Elk River Wind is emblematic of modern wind energy practices, employing advanced turbines designed to maximize efficiency and energy output. These turbines convert wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy, supporting the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. Located within a region that includes notable nearby facilities such as the Caney River Wind Project, which has a capacity of 200 MW, Elk River Wind is part of a growing collective of renewable energy sources that enhance grid reliability and support local energy demands. In the context of the local energy landscape, Elk River Wind operates amidst plants primarily fueled by natural gas, including the El Dorado Refinery and East 12th Street plants, which contribute smaller capacities of 38.9 MW and 28.1 MW, respectively. This regional energy diversity is crucial, as it allows for a more stable and reliable grid system while gradually reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Elk River Wind's presence signifies a shift in energy policy and community commitment toward renewable resources. Elk River Wind is owned and operated by Avangrid Renewables LLC, a company dedicated to increasing the share of renewable energy in the U.S. energy mix. Its commissioning in 2006 marked a pivotal moment in the state’s energy strategy, aligning with broader national goals of enhancing sustainable energy production. As the U.S. seeks to bolster its renewable energy portfolio, facilities like Elk River Wind will play an integral role in achieving a cleaner, more sustainable future, contributing to job creation and local economic development while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
20 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Wind
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileWind power generation harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally. This process begins with wind turbines, which consist of large blades mounted on a tower. As the wind blows, it causes the blades to rotate, transforming the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy through a generator connected to the turbine. The efficiency of wind turbines has significantly improved over the past decades, with modern designs capable of generating power even at low wind speeds.
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