Ohio is Committed to Success in Wind Energy Development, Says Coalition

On Wednesday, the Ohio Business Development Coalition announced that Ohio is investing in two new projects to develop utility-scale wind energy, further demonstrating the state's commitment to renewable energy innovation.

The Ohio Department of Development, through its Ohio Wind Production and Manufacturing Incentive Program, has awarded grants totaling $5 million to the Buckeye Wind Project. Developed by EverPower Renewables and the JW Great Lakes Wood County Wind Farm, the Buckeye Wind Project is planned to meet the electricity needs for nearly 300,000 homes, with the JW Great Lakes Wind Farm possibly powering 15,000 homes. Both projects are located in northwest Ohio and are expected to be operational by June 30th of 2009.

In addition, Ohio is moving forward with feasibility studies for the installation of up to ten wind turbines to be located off the coast of Lake Erie. Studies indicate that Ohio can expect to generate 13,000 new jobs through wind energy projects.

"Ohio's commitment to wind energy will create economic development opportunities for communities across the state," said Governor Ted Strickland.

With electricity and fuel bills and fuel bills spiraling ever higher, the cost of wind turbine energy being zero is extremely attractive to more and more homeowner, businesses, and municipalities. The cost of getting a wind turbine generator up and running is steadily being reduced with the rise in demand, while more and more commercial success is being realized by the steadily-increasing array of companies producing and refining the turbines

Many people are moving away from "the grid" and trying to drastically lower their use of oil and coal based power for personal reasons. Some are seeking more independence; some want to live "out by the boondocks" without having to give up all modern domestic advances; and still others have political concerns concerning foreign oil supplies or too much environmental strain.