#windfarming

Blue Creek Wind Farm, Van Wert, Ohio

Patton Wind Farm, Cambria County, PA

The second stop on #ourwindyroadtrip with AWEA (American Wind Energy Association) is Patton Wind Farm, operating 15 30MW Gamesa turbines since 2012. Many of the parts that construct these turbines are manufactured in Pennsylvania itself. Each turbine is tracked through a central management system recording detailed information such as wind speed, weather conditions, and potential technical issues.

What’s really impressive is that each year, Patton Wind Farm’s renewable energy offsets approximately 50,000 tons of CO2 all while generating enough energy to power 7,000 households.

In addition to the environmental benefits, what many don’t realize is that the local townships receive significant financial benefits from facilities like Patton. Over the life of the project, they’ve given back over $2 million to the state, local townships, and school districts. Another $2.3 million in local goods and services for operation and maintenance.

Stoney Creek Wind Farm, Pennsylvania

Stoney Creek marks the first stop on #ourwindyroadtrip! @bradromano and I, two photographers from Boston, set out on our seven-week cross-country trip in hopes of raising awareness of the benefits of renewable energy. Specifically documenting wind farming, we’ve partnered with the American Wind Energy Association to plan visits at multiple farms across the United States.

Not only do wind farms generate renewable energy, but they produce jobs and raise money for the participating communities. We’ve even heard that wind farm income has provided things such as educational technology for local school systems.

Standing under the turbines, you can feel the power these gigantic structures produce, and hear about their affect on the surrounding communities from their dedicated staff.