Overview
Fossil Gulch is an operational onshore wind farm in the United States, owned by Greenbacker Renewable Energy Corporation, with a capacity of 10.5 MW.
Fossil Gulch is an onshore wind farm located in the United States, owned by Greenbacker Renewable Energy Corporation. The facility has a capacity of 10.5 MW, placing it in the small-scale wind segment typical of distributed or community wind projects. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) providing tax credits for wind energy, and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that drive demand for renewable generation. Onshore wind farms like Fossil Gulch use turbines to convert wind energy into electricity, contributing to the grid's renewable energy mix. As a small wind installation, Fossil Gulch plays a role in diversifying local energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its environmental significance lies in displacing carbon emissions, though wind farms can have local impacts such as visual effects and potential bird or bat interactions, which are typically managed through siting and operational practices.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a region with moderate wind resources suitable for onshore wind generation. Wind farms like Fossil Gulch contribute to renewable energy targets but require careful siting to minimize visual impacts and risks to local wildlife, particularly birds and bats. Grid integration of variable wind power also necessitates balancing with other sources or storage.
Frequently asked questions
Fossil Gulch is an onshore wind farm located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 42.8581° N, -114.9494° W.
Fossil Gulch has a capacity of 10.5 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale wind farm.
Fossil Gulch is owned by Greenbacker Renewable Energy Corporation, a company focused on renewable energy investments.
Wind farms in the U.S. benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that mandate renewable energy generation.
Onshore wind farms can impact local landscapes and wildlife, particularly birds and bats. Proper siting and mitigation measures are used to address these concerns.