Willmar to dedicate 2 wind turbines

Published 9:25 am Thursday, September 3, 2009

Two new wind turbines being built near Willmar will be dedicated during a ceremony on Thursday.

The two 260-foot turbines will supply about 3 percent of electricity needs for Willmar Municipal Utilities.

The turbines are located just north of Willmar Senior High School, where Thursday’s event is planned. Buses will then take visitors to the wind turbines.

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Willmar Municipal Utilities estimates the turbines will produce about 10 million kilowatt hours per year at a cost of less than 5 cents per kilowatt hour over a 20-year period.

Utilities General Manager Bruce Gomm said the turbines are part of a broader renewable energy plan, which also includes a biomass project.

“I believe that the utility is being very progressive at embracing renewable energy,’’ he said.