Wind studied in Fairbanks

GARDEN - It is all around and unseen except when moving through the trees. It provides a potential source of energy under the proper conditions.

As part of the state's move to incorporate wind power, a wind study is currently underway in Delta County's Fairbanks Township.

Fairbanks Township Supervisor Ron Collins said a firm interested in harnessing wind power approached Fairbanks Township in spring 2007.

"A gentleman named Thad Schaumway was seeking to secure leases from property owners to begin wind resource testing. One of the first test sites is on my father's property, with another test site down toward Fairport," said Collins.

Collins said purpose of the test sites is to measure wind velocity and direction with a computer recording the data 24/7.

"The data is downloaded regularly and sent to another firm where it is analyzed," said Collins.

In addition to studying wind velocity and direction, he also said that a study of the migration flyway for migratory birds was also conducted by an ornithologist from Minnesota.

"There was a gentleman here for about two or three months recording the migration patterns. However, the final report hasn't been received as of yet," said Collins.

Another study is being conducted to determine the best means of connecting the wind turbines to the American Transmission Co. (ATC) power lines to transport the power from Garden to other areas of the state.

"There was a list of about a dozen items concerning the feasibility of connecting to the ATC line, and once that is completed, I expect that there were will be more wind turbines in Garden within the next three years," he said.

Collins said it was his understanding once a turbine is ordered it can take up to seven years for the turbine to be delivered to the site.

He also said the company conducting the wind study and feasibility study was looking to work in cooperation with another company or companies to have wind turbines on the Garden Peninsula within the next three years.

"I have no idea where these turbines will come from, or if they will be 1.7 megawatt or 2.0 megawatts.

"I believe that if this company can obtain a 1.7 megawatt turbine, then it is a start," said Collins.