FORT WAYNE – Wind farm development continues to blow into northwest Ohio with officials touting a project as a boon for the area.
Crews from Houston-based Horizon Wind Energy are in the midst of a $1 billion plan to build hundreds of wind turbines in Paulding and Van Wert counties.
The community can expect to see dozens of turbines by the end of the summer, said Tony Langham, director of Paulding County Economic Development Inc.
“This is good for the community because of the tax base it creates,” he said, adding that an average of $14,000 is generated annually for each turbine. “It’s also good for the property owners because they’re able to profit by getting something for leasing their land.”
Langham said the lease terms were confidential.
Workers began installing propeller hubs, towers and other major components last week in Paulding’s Benton Township.
Wind farms involve coupling several turbines to efficiently use the power of the wind. The turbines’ propellers produce energy by powering generators that create electricity.
Unlike coal-produced electricity, there’s no toxic emission, which makes the process environmentally friendly.
The alternative energy, however, is costly and controversial. Since 2006, at least seven companies have attempted to establish wind farms in northern Indiana and surrounding areas, according to various county records. The most recent proposal is in Whitley County by St. Louis-based Wind Capital Group. Last month, residents sounded off about the plan during a community forum at Springs Middle School in Columbia City.
Horizon first came on the scene in 2008, and its work is bearing fruit, Langham said.
“Our community is one of the best for wind energy,” he said.
