Article published Apr 23, 2008

The winds of change: Mostly green power a plus for us

In Bible verse and drama title, the meaning of the term "Inherit the Wind" was based on the wind's supposed worthlessness.

Obviously, the term was coined before we learned how to efficiently operate wind-driven electric turbines.

Today, the wind, with its ability to turn giant propellers, has considerable value, and rights to it undoubtedly will figure in many estate plans across wind-swept Montana.

In efforts reminiscent of oil-boom land men of the 20th century, representatives of wind-power companies have fanned out across the high plains, getting eager farmers and ranchers to sign on the dotted line.

"In a way, it's like a mini-little gold rush," said Hertha Lund, a Bozeman lawyer who represents Montana and Wyoming landowners in negotiations with wind developers.

These modern prospectors are looking for the high ground — places where the wind is strong and constant, the more constant the better.

Hundreds of thousands of acres of Montana already are under lease, and more leases are in the works.

Landowners, extension agents, elected officials and lawyers have scrambled to learn the ins and outs of wind rights, both to cash in on the boom and to protect themselves. Workshops for landowners often are packed.

Exact terms vary and are generally not public information, but the developers pay landowners a certain amount per acre for exploration rights, another amount for actually building, and a continuing annual amount after development, usually a percentage of gross revenue for every megawatt produced.

Officials say landowners should be cautious and get legal advice before signing anything. Not all developers are alike, and some may be unable to deliver on promises.

The wind developers come from all over — from Montana and across the United States, as well as Germany, Ireland and Spain — and at this point most of what they're doing is lining up potential.

That's because Montana already is a net exporter of power, and the transmission lines are nearly full. If more capacity is added — with projects such as the Montana-Alberta Tie Line proposed from Great Falls to Lethbridge — the developers will be ready.

All the same, they are proceeding in some corners of the grid.

Great Falls-area residents can see easily the six turbines of the Horseshoe Bend project lined up on Gore Hill, and motorists often pull off of U.S. Highway 191 south of Judith Gap to gawk at the 90-turbine, 135 megawatt wind farm on a wide ridge up there.

A handful of smaller projects are visible, and at least five big ones are in the works.

The biggest — 140 turbines — is being built by a Spanish company, NaturEner, between Shelby and Cut Bank. Bill Alexander, NaturEner's development officer, said that project will sprawl over 24,000 acres and cost $400 million. The company has leases on 100,000 acres elsewhere in the state, he said.

Another big one is planned by Horizon Wind of Texas for a spot near Martinsdale, midway between White Sulphur Springs and Harlowton. It will start with 36 turbines and could expand to 100, backers say.

We don't have to worry that the wind will stop, but even here it does have lulls. That means backup power to "firm" the wind power also will be needed.

Local government and school officials love these projects because they provide electricity, jobs and additional tax revenue.

In Wheatland County, home to the Judith Gap wind farm, Invenergy last year paid more than half a million dollars in property taxes, 70 percent of it to the county and school district. That's a big impact in a county that has barely more than 2,000 residents.

As promising as wind development is, it may not be for everyone.

The towering turbines are impressive in their way, but some viewsheds — such as up against the Rocky Mountain Front or near Glacier Park — can't and shouldn't be improved upon.

That said, we look forward to development of this mostly green form of energy in Montana.