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Extension agent sees potential in wind energy in western KansasBy David Coltrain Walnut Creek Extension District Agriculture Agent Many people are interested in wind energy and learning how they might benefit. The great resources of wind available in western Kansas definitely make wind energy a vital part of the future prospects for the Walnut Creek Extension District area. Recently, I attended a meeting about wind energy and will pass along some of the information presented at that program. Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson was the keynote speaker and he presented useful background information. He stated that two separate energy issues are facing the U.S.--oil and electricity. Oil is a transportation issue entirely separate from the electricity issue. Peak oil production has likely already occurred across the whole world or is definitely close. In the U.S., peak production is on the decline and existing significant oil reserves are all in other parts of the world. Demand continues to rise for oil and biofuels are only a stopgap to help with increasing demand. An alternative engine needs to be developed through research and development for some type of battery storage powered engine. On the electricity issue, the U.S. has incredible resources to last a long time without depending on foreign resources. It has been estimated that the U.S. has 300 years of reserves of coal, 1,000 years of nuclear reserves, and 30 to 200 years of natural gas. These three energy resources make up the bulk of resources that produce electricity. The bad news is that all three resources produce carbon dioxide and that is one of the main culprits pointed to as contributing to global warming. Storing nuclear waste is also a huge problem and the cost of natural gas continues to rise at alarming rates. So wind energy is a leading alternative bridge until other better, more environmentally safe fuels are discovered. Kansas is included in the "Saudi Arabia of wind resources," especially the western half of the state. Kansas ranks third among states with potential wind resources. However, Kansas has lagged behind other states in developing wind energy projects, but that is changing fast. Governor Kathleen Sebelius stated in her 2007 State Address, "Our goal is to produce 10 percent of our state's electricity from wind power by 2010, and 20 percent by 2020." The question is often asked why doesn't Kansas have as many wind energy projects as other states, which have less reliable wind resources? A big problem has been lack of transmission lines. Parkinson stated that three things must be present for successful wind energy projects: 1) Adequate wind, 2) Close proximately to transmission lines, and 3) Community support. The problem with transmission lines is getting addressed as $1 billion of lines will be built in the next five years, one through Ness and Rush counties on a north to south line. Wind energy projects are quickly coming on line. Kansas had 113 megawatts at the end of 2001 when the Montezuma facility was installed. At the end of 2007, Kansas had 364 MW after projects completed near Beaumont and Spearville. This compared with Texas (4,356 MW), California (2,439 MW), Minnesota, Iowa, Washington and Colorado--all more than 1,000 MW. In fact, Kansas ranked 12th in total wind energy capacities last year. During 2008, wind projects in Kansas are projected to be completed near Lincoln (two phases), Concordia, Medicine Lodge and Leoti. All together, Kansas is projected to have over 1,000 MW of wind energy capacity at the end of 2008. The potential exists for Kansas to become an exporter of wind energy, especially to the southeast U.S. where wind energy potential is relatively nonexistent. Three factors have to come into play for that to happen: 1) New wind energy becomes cheaper than new coal. 2) Congress passes a national Renewable Power Standard. 3) Congress passes a carbon tax. If any one of these three factors comes to pass, Kansas wind power might be compared to the gold rush times in the 1800s. The economic impact for Kansas could be astronomical. If you have questions or need any agriculture information, please e-mail me at: coltrain@ksu.edu or call me at our toll free number 1-800-460-9079. 5/19/08 Date: 5/15/08 Advertisement
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