United Technologies Optimistic About Future of Wind Power

An executive of United Technologies Corp. says the conglomerate is more optimistic about the wind power business it recently entered than fuel cell technology that has been in its portfolio for years.

Greg Hayes, Chief Financial Officer of United Technologies Corp. told investors last Thursday that last year’s $382 million purchase of Clipper Windpower, helps United Technologies to capitalize on what he said is a $60 billion global market.

When comparing the potential of the wind market to that of other renewable energy markets Hayes feels optimistic in wind development on the basis that it is one of the most developed markets in the renewable energy field.

Wisconsin Power & Light Co. Construction Finished on Wind Farm

Wisconsin Power & Light Co. announced that it has finished construction on its Minnesota wind farm and that it is up and running generating power.

The total cost of the project was $460 million and began delivering power Monday morning about a week ahead of the company’s projections.

The Bent Tree Wind Farm is located in Albert Lea, Minn, and consists of 122 turbines that can produce up to 201 megawatts of electricity. It is expected that over a year’s time the wind farm will generate enough power to supply 50,000 homes.

“The addition of Bent Tree allows us to meet and exceed Wisconsin’s existing renewable portfolio standard,” said John Larsen, WP&L president.