Horizon Wind Energy has spent several years searching for the most attractive wind site in Kansas from a wind resource, transmission, and community acceptance perspective. In addition to using traditional wind industry site selection methods, Horizon has partnered with the Kansas Biological Survey and employed state-of-the-art geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, along with satellite and remote sensing data, to locate a great wind resource and adequate transmission (which is no longer a luxury in Kansas). This Cloud County location represents the best wind site in Kansas.
The wind farm will be constructed on approximately 20,000 acres of privately owned land under long-term lease agreements. Land uses within and surrounding the project area include cattle ranching, gravel quarrying, and farming. Because wind farms are highly compatible with agriculture and ranching activities, the turbines, underground power lines, roads, and substation for this project will blend well with current land uses in the project area.
Horizon has worked diligently with Cloud County to ensure positive local reception to the project. Cloud County’s affirmative response to the project has been tremendous. Because of a lack of zoning and a desire to perform our development activities in the most open manner possible, Horizon negotiated a development agreement with the County after going through a public input process. On September 29, 2003, Cloud County voted 3-0 in support of this agreement.
Location
The Meridian Way Wind Faram will be constructed in North Central Kansas, in
Cloud County, which has long been known by local residents for vigorous winds. The wind turbine generators will be constructed on the highest topographic point in the region, with drainage from the watershed flowing to the Republican River to the north and Solomon River to the south. Ecologically, Cloud County is located in the central mixed grass prairie (http://www.nps.gov/plants/sos/species/). Average elevation in the prospect site is 1650 feet above mean sea level.
Quick Facts
Where: 8 miles south of
Concordia, Kansas
Project Size: 200 MW
Interconnection: Aquila's Concordia-East Manhattan 230 kV transmission line
Why Cloud County?
Cloud County has many advantages as a location for a modern wind power project, including:
•A strong, proven wind resource
•Excellent access to electric transmission lines
•Compatibility with existing land uses
•Proximity to power markets
•Community supprt
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