The resource analysis division of National Wind, installed Red Rock Wind Energy’s first 60 meter meteorological (met) tower in October 2008 to collect wind data for a minimum of one year’s time. A met tower is a multi-instrument device which records wind speeds, wind direction, temperature, and air density over time, leading to a complete depiction of the wind attributes of a project site. A minimum of one year of continuous, on-site, wind data is needed for effective site evaluation and wind turbine placement. An accurate wind speed and energy assessment is the fundamental foundation for project planning, development and financing for any wind project.

Red Wind Energy also has a wealth of existing, nearby on-site wind data. For Red Rock Wind Energy’s preliminary wind resource analysis, National Wind Assessments collected data from 4 meteorological towers within the area that are owned and operated by the North Star Wind Farms. The four towers are located in Emmet and Dickinson Counties, Iowa. This long-term existing data helps provide a comprehensive energy calculation for Red Rock Wind Energy’s new layout.