Wisconsin sees spike in interest in wind energy production

Wisconsin is seeing growing interest in wind energy as production costs decline and utilities look toward renewable energy. Michael Vickerman, policy director for clean energy nonprofit RENEW Wisconsin, told Wisconsin Public Radio that three wind projects are being considered in the state's southwestern region. "Those three prospects account for about more than 300 megawatts of wind generation," Vickerman said. "To put that in perspective, that's about 40% of what's operating today in the state of Wisconsin. The state currently produces about 737 megawatts of wind, which accounts for 3% of electricity generated in Wisconsin. PRC Wind, a Minneapolis-based wind energy company, recently proposed a project to construct 100 megawatts of wind energy in Montfort. Another wind project proposed by EDF Renewables, an American subsidiary of a French company, has been met with opposition in Green County. The plan would bring 24 wind turbines near the town of Jefferson. Residents have voiced concerns about potential health issues from living next to the turbines.