About Wind Energy

Wind Energy For Our Future

Dominion is committed to ensuring that consumers have the energy they need for the future—to keep the economy strong, businesses growing and communities vibrant. Renewable energy sources will play an increasingly important role in meeting that need.

Wind is one of the most abundant natural, renewable resources available.Wind creates emissions-free energy. And it is compatible with Central Illinois’ agricultural community.

Diversification of energy sources offers the most viable approach to greater energy security for our nation. So Dominion is constantly examining ways to diversify its energy portfolio, including relying on renewable resources such as wind. Dominion is also increasing its renewable energy investments to further reduce its carbon footprint.

Dominion already is a partner in two major wind energy developments. It is partnering with ShellWindEnergy Inc. on a 264-megawatt wind development in Grant County,W.Va.

Wind energy plays an important role in our future.

In Benton County, Ind., Dominion has acquired a 50-percent interest from BP Alternative Energy North America in 650 megawatts of the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm. Fowler Ridge is expected to be one of the largest wind developments in the United States. The first phase of the project should be completed in 2008. (> More)

Wind turbine diagram

How Wind Generation Works

Wind is a form of solar energy. It is caused by the uneven heating of the irregularities of the earth’s surface, and rotation of the earth. Modern wind turbines work much like traditional windmills. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft connected to a generator that makes electricity. Turbines start generating electricity when wind speeds reach 7-8 miles per hour.

The electricity is sent through transmission and distribution lines to consumers. It is no coincidence that wind farms are often built near existing power stations—such as the Kincaid Power Station—where the necessary infrastructure to deliver the electricity to consumers already exists.

Wind turbines are safe, have no impact on livestock, do not create excess levels of noise and are compatible with an agricultural community. Crops can be planted to within a few feet of the base of the turbine and animals may graze there.

(Source: U.S. Department of Energy)

Additional Wind Energy Resources