Wind power inKentucky has limited potential for development within the state since there are generally low wind speeds, though there are specific locations where it can be effective. The state has not passedrenewable portfolio standard legislation and there are no commercial-scalewind turbines.[1][2] Kentucky may benefit from the development ofwind power in Tennessee, an adjoining state with which it is collaborating, and from efforts by theTennessee Valley Authority to both develop and import wind-generated electricity into the region.[3][4][5][6]
Established in 2008, the Kentucky New Energy Ventures was a state program to incentivize the development and commercialization ofalternative fuel and renewable energy products, processes, and services. The program concluded in 2017 and has not been renewed by State. The funds could have been used to stimulate private investment in Kentucky-based technology companies with high growth potential. KNEV made seed capital grants of $30,000 and investments ranging from $250,000 to $750,000+.[7][8][9]
In 2012Mason County passed an ordinance which would prohibit the construction of large-scalewind farms., except in previously designated industrial zones, but would permit mid to small scale turbines for use at a principal site, but not for sending the energy across electric transmission lines. Efforts byDuke Energy andNextEra Energy to develop a wind farm atMays Lick were discontinued.[10][11]
TheTennessee Valley Authority service area covers most ofTennessee, portions ofAlabama,Mississippi, andKentucky, and small sections ofGeorgia,North Carolina, andVirginia. As of 2013, the agency, in addition to theBuffalo Mountain Windfarm, had purchased agreements from power generated from wind farms outside its service area:
A 2010 agreement withIberdrola Renewables provides a potential 300MW future supply fromStreator-Cayuga Ridge Wind Farm,Livingston County, Illinois[12]
Clean Line Energy LLC is proposing 700-mile power transmission line to bring wind energy from Oklahoma and to theTennessee Valley. The TVA would import 1,750 megawatts, about half of the power that could be transmitted. Developers begun in 2007 to seek regulatory approval for the $2 billion project, but it's expected to take at least 2020 to acquire it before construction can begin.[13][14][15][16][17]
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