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Northern Benton County in Missouri has agreed to examine the possibility of bringing up a 300 MW wind farm, kansascity reported. More than 50 farmers who own nearly 12,000 acres in the county have agreed to request proposals from companies to conduct preliminary site evaluations. The preliminary proposal includes the construction of 100 to 125 wind turbines of up to 300 MW electricity generating capacity.
Mark Chamberlin, a dairy and chicken farmer, started looking into this possibility more than five years ago. He was concerned in potential wind energy production after studies showed wind levels in northern Benton County similar to those near wind farms in northwest Missouri.
"I live on a ridge and it's always windy, and I knew there had to be a way to harvest that wind," Chamberlin said.
"We're now at the point where we are sinking a lot of time, money and effort into it, and we wanted to see if the community is interested," said Luke Jernigan, Chamberlin's partner on the proposal.
Jernigan said that one company has visited the county to examine potential sites.
Irv Jensen, a representative from Benton County Development Corporation, inspired the property owners to form a limited liability corporation so they can bargain with cooperation.
Although environment impact and wildlife is not significant with wind farms, Jensen noted it would change the scenery of the county.
Jernigan said other wind energy operations have reported as much as $12,000 a year for those whose property housed a turbine.
"This would create a lot of jobs for the area and invest a lot of money," Jernigan said. "Even if you don't get a turbine or transmission lines through your farm, you could still get paid if you're in the group."
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