Walnut Wind Farm emerges as a noteworthy contributor to the renewable energy landscape in the United States, with a capacity of 165.2 MW. Ranked 1577th among 10,047 total power generation facilities in the country, it holds a position that reflects the vast scale of the U.S. energy market. Although it contributes a mere 0.01% to the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, its impact is more significant when viewed within the context of wind energy, where it ranks 230th out of 1,142 wind power plants. Commissioned in 2009, this wind facility employs advanced wind turbine technology to efficiently convert wind energy into electricity. The facility’s strategic location near key energy infrastructure enhances its operational efficiency, enabling it to play a critical role in the local energy mix. Wind energy is becoming increasingly important in the U.S., especially amidst efforts to transition away from fossil fuels, with Walnut Wind Farm standing as a testament to this shift. Geographically, Walnut Wind Farm is part of a regional energy network that includes several nearby facilities within a 50 km radius. These include the Exira Gas Plant (181.5 MW), Heartland Divide Wind Project (103.5 MW), and smaller plants like the Atlantic Gas Facility (10 MW) and Harlan Oil Facility (3.4 MW). This diversity in energy generation not only fortifies the local grid but also provides a robust framework for regional energy security. The presence of both gas and wind plants illustrates a balanced approach to energy generation, accommodating fluctuations in supply and demand. In the broader context of the U.S. energy profile, gas remains the dominant fuel source, yet wind energy is experiencing rapid growth. Walnut Wind Farm’s contribution, though small on a national scale, is significant in promoting a cleaner energy future. The facility exemplifies the increasing importance of renewable energy as part of the national strategy to combat climate change and enhance energy independence. Operated by MidAmerican Energy Co, Walnut Wind Farm is a crucial asset for the region. Its development and operation reflect ongoing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, which are vital for meeting future energy demands. As the U.S. continues to embrace sustainable energy solutions, the role of facilities like Walnut Wind Farm will undoubtedly grow, paving the way toward a more resilient and environmentally-friendly energy landscape.
17 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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