April 08, 2013 12:07 PM UTC

Big Boost for Wind Energy in Colorado

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• by: Colorado Pols

As Eli Stokols at Fox 31 reports, Vestas Wind has received a huge new turbine order:

Vestas Wind Systems has received its largest wind turbine order ever from Canada, the company announced Monday.

Colorado’s Vestas plants, which have seen major layoffs over the past year, will manufacture components for the 166 V100-1.8 wind turbines that have been ordered as part of the Blackspring Ridge Wind Project.

This is an important story because of the growing role that wind energy is playing in Colorado's economy. Senator Mark Udall issued a statement soon after the news was announced this morning:

Mark Udall, who championed the successful, bipartisan reauthorization of the Production Tax Credit for wind energy last year, welcomed news today that Colorado factories will manufacture wind turbines and components for the Blackspring Ridge Wind Project near Alberta, Canada.  This large order underscores the job-creating benefits of a strong wind-energy industry in Colorado and for our country.

"This large turbine order, evidence of the long-term benefits of Made-in-America manufacturing, underlines what I have been saying for years: Wind energy powers our economy," Udall said.  "It is clear evidence that investments in energy security are good for our economy and Colorado workers."

Coincidentally, new legislation sponsored by Senate President John Morse and House Speaker Mark Ferrandino is being heard today in committee. Senate Bill 252 aims to expand renewable energy in Colorado by directing rural cooperatives to increase their renewable energy standard from 10% to 25% by 2020.