Nine Mile Canyon Wind Project, located near Kennewick, Washington, is the largest public power owned wind project in the nation. It consists of 37 turbines, each capable of producing 1.3 megawatts, driven by the wind. Each three-blade turbine consists of a tubular steel tower approximately 200 feet in height, three 100-foot turbine blades attached to a rotor, and a nacelle which houses a generator, gear box, and braking mechanisms.

Each turbine is self-starting and begins generating electricity when wind speed reaches 8 m.p.h. Generation increases as the wind speed increases, with full power achieved at about 35 m.p.h. Once the rotor begins to rotate, it turns at a constant speed. If the winds exceed 55 m.p.h. on a sustained basis, the turbines shut down automatically by engaging a large disc brake, much like that on a car. They automatically restart when the winds fall below 42 m.p.h. The pitch of the blades is adjustable for power generation control. The total potential generating capacity of Nine Canyon is ~48 megawatts. Wind energy costs about 3.5 cents per kilowatt-hour to produce (after a 1.7 cent Federal Renewable Energy Production Incentive—REPI—credit is taken), slightly higher than traditional resources, but still competitive in today’s market.

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Last updated 03/30/04