Overview
Minwind 3-9 is an operational onshore wind farm in the United States with a capacity of 11.5 MW, owned by Rock County Energy Center LLC.
Minwind 3-9 is an onshore wind farm located in the United States, specifically in Rock County, Minnesota (inferred from coordinates). With a capacity of 11.5 MW, it is a small-scale wind facility contributing to the country's renewable energy portfolio. The plant is owned by Rock County Energy Center LLC and is currently operational. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Minnesota's RPS requires 25% renewable energy by 2025, supporting wind energy development. The 11.5 MW capacity places Minwind 3-9 in the small-scale category, typical for community or distributed wind projects. Environmentally, onshore wind farms like Minwind 3-9 help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. However, they can have local impacts such as visual effects on the landscape and potential risks to birds and bats. The facility's location in a rural area of Minnesota likely minimizes land-use conflicts, while contributing to the state's renewable energy goals.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a rural area of Minnesota, where wind energy development is common due to favorable wind resources. Onshore wind farms can alter visual landscapes and pose risks to avian wildlife, but proper siting and mitigation measures can reduce these impacts. The plant supports Minnesota's transition to cleaner energy, aligning with state renewable targets.
Frequently asked questions
Minwind 3-9 is located in Rock County, Minnesota, United States, at coordinates 43.6383, -96.3919.
Minwind 3-9 has a capacity of 11.5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale onshore wind farm.
Minwind 3-9 is owned by Rock County Energy Center LLC.
Minnesota's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires 25% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025, supporting wind projects like Minwind 3-9. The federal Inflation Reduction Act also provides tax incentives for wind energy.
Onshore wind farms can have visual impacts on landscapes and pose risks to birds and bats. However, they significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel generation.