TerraPass project tour: wind energy

Clean wind power

In addition to crops, the Midwest harvests a steady supply of wind. In September, 2005 the Ainsworth Wind Farm in Ainsworth, Nebraska began generating enough electricity to power 19,000 homes annually. Locals celebrated the opening with bus tours and a barbecue.

Wind Energy Facility, Ainsworth, Nebraska

Electricity from wind farms creates almost no greenhouse gas emissions. By displacing electricity from coal- or oil-fired plants, these wind farms result in a net reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

You can support the Ainsworth facility through the Greener Miles program. TerraPass has bought over 2,300 tons of carbon credits from the facility to date.

Wind energy technology has come a long way. New windmills are capable of withstanding blizzards, lightning strikes, and tornadoes. Although massive – the Ainsworth windmills have rotors almost as wide as a football field – windmills take up relatively little space and provide additional income to farmers.

This image gallery provides some exciting views of the Ainsworth Facility.