Wind

Wind power is the fastest growing source of electrical generation in the world today. The Pacific Northwest has many sites that can provide the necessary average wind speeds of 16 mph or better. In fact, Washington state is the fifth largest producer of wind energy in the United States.

Grant PUD is now testing likely wind power sites within Grant County with anemometers at various elevations on single-pole towers. The test sites are near Wanapum Dam, Hartline, Monument, the Frenchman Hills and near the Port of Mattawa. Additional test sites are planned.

Grant PUD also holds contracts for power from the Nine Canyon Wind Project owned by Energy Northwest.

Nine Canyon Wind Project Facts:

• 63 wind turbines on hills near Kennewick, Wash.
• 49 turbines are 200-foot-tall, with three 100-foot adjustable blades
• 14 turbines are 250-feet-tall, with blades in excess of 100-feet
• 99.7 megawatts total generation capacity possible at peak operation
• Generation begins with wind speeds at 8 mph.
• Peak power generation at 35 mph.
• The turbines automatically shutdown if sustained winds exceed 55 mph.