The Red Dirt wind farm in Oklahoma is breathing new life into the local economy

When people talk about wind farms, the focus is usually on the environmental benefits of renewable energy, but in the case of largely rural states like Oklahoma, there is another big advantage: the boost that they give to the local economy. Oklahoma’s first wind farm began operations in 2003, and ever since then wind power has been a success story that is revolutionizing the local energy industry. It has brought new investments and green jobs to a state that had been built on oil and gas. Directly and indirectly, Oklahoma’s wind industry is responsible for around 9,000 jobs. When wind is a win-win For us, Oklahoma is a key state, with 13 wind farms accounting for over 2 GW of operating capacity and a portfolio of over $3 billion in investment. We have created more than 130 long-term jobs in the state and we have provided over $2 million in support for community initiatives. Our commitment to local communities is particularly evident at the Red Dirt wind farm in Kingfisher and Logan Counties in the central part of the state. We have a strong relationship with Hennessey, which is essentially a farming community. It’s a good example of how wind energy and agriculture can be perfect partners: the wide, open spaces that surround the ranches and farms in the area are ideal for wind turbines. They leave around 98 per cent of the land free for crop cultivation or grazing livestock, while land lease payments provide a reliable source of additional income. It is a win-win situation: the farmers who lease their land for the wind farm hope it will bring new financial stability to the area and have therefore embraced Red Dirt since its construction, becoming its very strong advocates in the community. "I’m just thrilled to have these wind turbines, especially on my farm: it’s a lucky man that gets turbines on his land. They run a clean operation, they keep their gates shut so the cattle don’t get out, they built us a wonderful road system here. After the wind farm got going, we started a trust for our grandchildren: hopefully, they can get a good education with this wind farm money." Ron Ingle, local landowner Training the wind technicians of the future In Kingfisher County, as in other parts of the state, we are partnering with schools and universities, in order to create educational opportunities and scholarships, and helping to train people for careers in the clean energy economy, thereby improving job prospects in the state. We have introduced clean energy curriculums in primary and secondary school classrooms, through partnerships with local education institutions and non-profit organizations. The aim is to train students from an early age, so that they will subsequently be able to get jobs at Red Dirt and the other wind farms in Oklahoma. The wind technician program for older students was established through a partnership with Northern Oklahoma College, to help meet the workforce needs of a growing local industry. Graduates will become qualified wind turbine service technicians: this is by far the fastest-growing occupation in Oklahoma, with 64.5% projected growth between 2018 and 2028. Our commitment to job creation is also evident in the new wind turbine technician training space that will soon open at our offices in Oklahoma City. The center will provide courses on safety, professional development, working at heights, ladder rescues, and turbine troubleshooting and repair. Trainees will learn in multiple settings, including by way of classroom discussion, as well as hands-on simulation and virtual reality training. In this way they will develop into a strong, resilient workforce for the modern clean-energy economy that Red Dirt and the other wind farms in Oklahoma are building. The circular economy Red Dirt is also helping to create jobs for disabled and special needs adults, through the company’s Value4Disability disability inclusion program. These adults have been trained to construct recycling containers and provide recycling services to Red Dirt and several other wind farms. Similar initiatives at Red Dirt include recycling the power brushes from the turbines, repairing, rather than replacing, wind blades, and extending the life of lubrication oil by using a special filtration system. All of these initiatives adhere to the principles of the circular economy which, like the creation of jobs, is an essential part of the energy transition.

{{ currentMenugamenu.label }}

{{ currentSubMenugamenu.label }}

{{ card.title }}

{{ currentSubMenugamenu.numbers.title }}

The Red Dirt wind farm in Oklahoma is breathing new life into the local economy

The Red Dirt wind farm in Oklahoma is breathing new life into the local economy

Related content

{{article.title}}

{{article.title}}

{{article.title}}