Wisconsin Sees Growing Interest In Wind Production

Wisconsin and the nation are seeing increased interest around wind energy. The declining cost of wind production and utilities that are pledging to reduce carbon emissions are playing a role in wind developments. In the Twin Ports, wind turbine shipments are expected to be up after a lull last year, according to Jayson Hron with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. He said they've already seen two shipments of tower components. "In addition, the blades are coming in soon," he said. "We've got our first shipment expected in early June."Hron said they expect about 15 ships from overseas carrying wind cargo for projects out west this year. This influx underscores how, well, the wind is blowing. John Hensley, vice president of research and analytics with the American Wind Energy Association, said just under 40 gigawatts of wind projects are being developed or constructed across the country.