This weekend, I was driving on US-277 on the outskirts of Abilene. I had some extra time on my hands and decided to pull off of the road and take a closer look at the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center.
Even though I have seen the wind turbines numerous times before, every time I see them — I am still fascinated by their size and the technology behind their operation.
There are other “wind farms” — or a group of wind turbines in the same location — around the Abilene area, as well as other parts of the world. However, this specific one, the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center is currently one of the largest in the world! It has a total capacity of 735 megawatts and is comprised of exactly 291 G.E. 1.5 megawatt wind turbines and a total of 130 Siemens 2.3 megawatt wind turbines spread across nearly 47,000 acres in Taylor and Nolan County. Wow! Now that is a lot of power … and land!
As I previously stated, the size is another factor that never ceases to amaze me. The turbines are 262 feet tall at the hub in the center of the blades. As you can see, each turbine has three blades. Each blade is 126 feet long. How it works: the generator begins making electricity with wind speeds of approximately 8 mph and can operate in winds as high as 55 mph. When winds exceed exactly 56 mph, the internal computer shuts down. For future reference, optimum wind speed for power generation is between 25 and 35 mph. Also an interesting fact, Abilene’s Dyess Air Force Base is 100% green — using energy only from wind power!
Although there aren’t any official tours open to the public at this time, there are still several great pull off points along U.S. 277, where you can get an up-close look. One thing that always makes me chuckle is the amount of cattle that love to stand under these things. I have been told the “humming “sound of the turbine soothes them and they appreciate the slight shade on the wide open spaces of the Texas frontier. It makes for a great photo op!