Though corporate wind farms are most popular these days, local communities are working together to create renewable energy for their own livelihoods.
In Wasco, Oregon (located on the eastern side of the state) a family of community members are building an independent wind farm. The $24 million project began construction this summer, but has been in the works for five years.
Ormand Hilderbrand is heading the project. Hilderbrand and family are dry land wheat farmers and have been in the Wasco area since the 1860s. The dry farm is now the location of the project where six wind turbines are being built. It is known as thePaTu Wind Farm.
The community is excited for the project. Paul Woodin, the executive director of The Dalles-based Community Renewable Energy Association anticipates similar projects across Oregon.
Hilderbrand’s project is the first of its sort without direct corporate sponsorship. There is no word on who will purchase the generated power.
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