Windpower As A Rural Economic Development Strategy

The GAO publishes a report on wind power's contribution to electric powergeneration and its impact on farms andrural communities.

1 minute read

October 4, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

Wind power accounted for only about one-tenth of 1 percent of total U.S.electric power generation capacity in 2003, but wind power capacityquadrupled between 1990 and 2003, and the Department of Energy hasprojected continued growth through 2025. However, most of the nationswind potential remains untapped. Wind powers growth will depend largelyon the continued availability of federal and state financial incentives,including tax credits, and expected increases in prices for fossil fuels.

For example, afarmer who leases land for a wind project can expect to receive $2,000 to$5,000 per turbine per year in lease payments. In addition, large wind powerprojects in some of the nations poorest rural counties have added muchneeded tax revenues and employment opportunities.

[Editor's note: The link below is to a 3MB PDF document.]

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: RENEWABLE ENERGY: Wind Power’s Contribution to Electric Power Generation and Impact on Farms and Rural Communities

Sunday, October 3, 2004 in U.S. General Accounting Office

Community / Economic Development United States

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