Wind Energy For Aquila Customers

Demonstrating a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship, Aquila's environmental policy has come to life for customers in Kansas and Missouri with reliable, cost-effective energy generated from the wind.

The Gray County Wind Farm, completed in late 2001, is the largest ever built in Kansas. Owned and operated by FPL Energy, the facility consists of 170 Vestas 660 kW turbines capable of generating 110 megawatts (one megawatt = 1,000 kilowatts) of electricity, enough to power 33,000 homes. Aquila purchases all the power produced at the wind farm.

In addition to power from the Gray County Wind Farm, Aquila is part-owner in two other wind turbines near the Jeffrey Energy Center in Kansas. That electricity also flows to Aquila's Missouri customers.

Basic Facts About Wind Energy

What is wind energy?

The process by which the wind is turned into mechanical power or electricity is called "wind energy" or "wind power." Wind turbines are used to convert the wind's energy into mechanical power. That mechanical power can then be used for specific tasks (such as pumping water), or converted by a generator into electricity that powers homes, businesses, schools, etc.

Why does the wind blow?

Wind occurs as a result of the sun's uneven heating of the atmosphere over the earth's irregular surface, combined with the rotation of the earth. The shape of the earth's surface, as well as vegetation and bodies of water, affect wind flow patterns. These wind flows can be collected by wind turbines and used to generate electricity.

When was wind energy first used?

Evidence shows that wind energy propelled boats on the Nile River in ancient Egypt. In China simple windmills pumped water several centuries ago. Windmills were built in the United States as part of the development of the American West during the late 19th century. Most of the windmills pumped water for farms and ranches. The use of wind energy continued into the early 20th century with the development of small electric wind systems used to generate direct electric current. In the 1930s, grid power was extended to rural areas and replaced the small wind systems. Some farms and ranches still use windmills to pump water today.

How is wind energy captured?

The wind turns propeller blades on wind turbines, which power a generator that converts the motion into electric current. Modern wind technology takes advantage of recent advancements in materials, engineering, electronics and aerodynamics development. Wind farms contain several turbines grouped together to create a single power plant that generates bulk electrical power. This electricity is transferred into the local utility grid and distributed to customers in the same way as energy generated by conventional power plants.

Are there disadvantages to using wind energy?

The biggest challenge to using wind energy as a source of electrical power is that the wind doesn't always blow when electricity is needed. Wind can't be stored, and not all wind can be used to generate electricity. Also, good sites for wind farms are often in remote locations that are far from cities where electricity demand tends to be higher. In addition, wind farms may compete with other land uses that may be seen as more valuable. However, wind turbines can be located on land that is also used for livestock grazing or even farming.