OKC to host state's first wind energy conference

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Nov 26, 2008 by David Page

J.D. Strong, state secretary of environment, and David Fleischaker, state secretary of energy, had already been involved in a few discussions about Oklahoma's potential to provide wind energy to produce electricity when the U.S. Department of Energy issued a report earlier this year.

The report, 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy's Contribution to U.S. Electricity Supply, said Oklahoma was among the states that could be significant players in providing 20 percent of U.S. electricity generation from wind power by 2030.

"We had been looking at the explosion of wind energy in Oklahoma and that report solidified Oklahoma's standing as a national leader," Strong said. "That report showed that Oklahoma would either be the national leader or would be second to Texas."

Oklahoma's wind energy potential creates challenges. A conference in Oklahoma City next week will study the challenges and related issues.

Strong and Fleischaker will present Revolution: The Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Cox Convention Center. Registration is $60 and information is available at www.OKWindRevolution.com.

The conference will include sessions for landowners, farmers and ranchers about land leasing issues, wind turbine manufacturers, wind farm developers, community planners and community developers, economic development groups, consultants, sustainable energy advocates, conservation and environmental groups, utility companies and co-ops.

"There are a number of issues that need to be thought about and discussed, which is the whole intent of Oklahoma's first-ever wind energy conference," Fleischaker said.

T. Boone Pickens, Holdenville native, Oklahoma State University benefactor and an outspoken wind energy advocate, will be the speaker at a luncheon on Tuesday. Pickens will discuss the nation's need to remain committed to wind energy solutions.

Mark Tercek, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, will be the luncheon speaker on Wednesday. Tercek will discuss wind energy development and the importance of environmental stewardship.

"With Oklahoma poised to become a national leader in wind power, the full spectrum of issues we face in developing this new energy industry have to be examined, " Strong said. "From discussions about rural economic development to exploring solutions for imperiled prairie wildlife, attendees will find Revolution an engaging and highly informative conference."

Will Oklahoma Be the Saudi Arabia of Wind Power? will be the first session and will feature Larry Flowers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., and Jay Caspary from the Southwest Power Pool in Little Rock, Ark.

"There is potential across the board for rural Oklahoma communities to have a significant influx of economic activity," Strong said.

Natalie Shirley, secretary of commerce and tourism, will be the moderator for the second session - Why Oklahoma Should Be Bullish on Wind.

The wind industry could create 6,919 jobs in Oklahoma within five years, according to estimates from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Salaries could range from $44,900 the first year to $60,400 within five years.

Construction of wind turbines and transmission infrastructure will create short-term jobs, Strong said. The work force required to operate wind farms and handle the turbines will create long-term jobs.

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Community College and High Plains Technology Center in Woodward are already training the wind industry work force.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have approved a wind turbine technology degree program at OSU-OKC - the state's first wind turbine technology degree program. OSU-OKC will offer the first classes in the program in January.

OCCC and High Plains are offering non-degree classes for potential wind industry workers.

Other Tuesday sessions at the conference will include Wind Energy Transmission: Delivering Power to the People, Wind Power and Wildlife and Key Issues for Landowners.

Sessions on Wednesday will include The Role of Community Wind Power, and The Citizen's Role in Wind Power's Future.

"Wind projects are emerging across our state," Fleischaker said. "Clean, sustainable and affordable, wind is at the forefront of America's new energy plan. At the same time, we need to move forward with wind in a conscientious, deliberate and balanced manner."