LCRA has supported development of wind power — a nonpolluting source of renewable energy — from its beginning in Texas. In 1995, LCRA invested in the state's first commercial scale wind project. It now purchases 116 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity from three West Texas wind farms and continues to increase its commitment to wind power.

Turbines are used in nearly all electrical generating technologies, and wind power is no different. The blades — or rotors — of a wind turbine are similar to airplane blades. Strong, steady winds cause the blades, some as long as 130 feet, to rotate a turbine. The rotating motion of magnets in the turbines causes an electric field that can generate a flow of electrical current.

Wind turbines are usually mounted on towers from 100 feet to 300 feet tall because wind speed increases with height. Turbines operate best in areas where wind speeds are 16 mph to 20 mph at a height of 50 meters. Wide open West Texas, where the winds whip across the plains, is an ideal location for wind projects, also called wind farms.

Here is a look at the wind power projects in which LCRA participates:

• Texas Wind Power Project
  Begun in 1995, the Texas Wind Power Project in Culberson County provides 35 MW of wind power capacity to LCRA. LCRA sells 10 MW from the project to the City of Austin. FPL Energy operates the facility.
• Delaware Mountain Wind Farm
  In 1999, the Delaware Mountain Wind Farm began operations near the Texas Wind Power Project. LCRA, with a commitment to buy 30 MW of capacity, now is the only purchaser from this facility. This wind farm was developed by National Wind Power and now is owned by FPL Energy.
• Indian Mesa Wind Farm
  In 2001, LCRA more than doubled its wind power portfolio from Indian Mesa Wind Energy Center began operations in Pecos County. by committing to buying up to 51 MW of capacity from Indian Mesa. It was developed by National Wind Power and is now owned by FPL Energy.