The stage is set for the South Plains to become the wind energy capital of the nation.
"We think we are right at the center of wind research and we're with the best person or party we could be with, Texas Tech," said Bill Miller, Executive Director, Reese Technology Center.
The National Institute for Renewable Energy, or NIRE, is constructing and operating a new wind turbine facility at Reese Technology Center to provide research access for Texas Tech.
"It's a research facility and not a wind farm - I believe they are going to sell the energy to South Plains Electric Co-Op's grid - but this is a research site and we're excited it's up," Bill Miller said.
David Miller, who works with Tech's Commercialization and Economic Development Center in addition to NIRE said this will be a great benefit to the South Plains.
"Really, I think what it means is that we really wanted to be the research and development center, nationally - for wind related research, but all renewables. So wind, solar, biomass and then potentially other clean technologies in the future," David Miller said.
The cost of the facility was funded by the manufacturer - which leaves the $8.4 million grant money awarded in June free to bring in more research experts. Miller says he believes there are more research facilities to come.
"You know we have several other projects that we haven't announced yet - where we plan to have other research windfarms, so we've had more of a demand than we thought we would from our industry partners which is a great challenge to have for West Texas," David Miller said.
The first turbine is expected to be up and running within the next month. More announcements are expected within the next several weeks.
