Wind speeds in northwestern Iowa factor as some of the strongest in the nation, making Red Rock Wind Energy perfectly situated to harvest the latent energy in the breeze. Looking to take advantage of the area’s wind potential, the footprint of Red Rock’s wind farm has expanded to incorporate a larger swath of land and a greater number of landowners now stand to gain by their participation in the project’s development.

The footprint will expand two miles west of 280th Ave in Terril, IA and 44 landowners in the area will initially be contacted to discuss their interest in Red Rock Wind Energy. There is even the potential for further landowner inclusion as the project’s needs are continually assessed. “This is great news for everyone involved,” say Ben Kerl, a senior wind developer with National Wind. “Expansion of the footprint can only be a positive thing. As the footprint expands, more people have the opportunity to become involved and greater involvement will lead to greater returns to the community.

“With wind speeds as high as they are in the area,” continues Kerl, “it’s exciting that our project has the momentum to expand. The energy potential is huge and we’re definitely making the most of it.”

Read more stories from the Fall 2009 newsletter