Overview

The Shirley Wind Farm is an operational wind energy facility located in the Shirley section of Glenmore, within Brown County, Wisconsin, United States. Commissioned in 2011, the site represents a significant contribution to the regional renewable energy infrastructure. The project was originally developed by Emerging Energies LLC before transitioning to ownership by Duke Energy, a major utility company in the US energy sector. The facility remains under Duke Energy's operational control, integrating wind power into the broader grid supply for the area.

The installation consists of eight wind turbines, each manufactured by Nordex. These units are identified as the Nordex 2.5 model, indicating a rated capacity of 2.5 MW per turbine. The structural height of each turbine is approximately 500 feet, which corresponds to 150 meters. This configuration results in a total installed capacity of 20 MW for the entire wind farm. The specific choice of the Nordex 2.5 model reflects the technological standards available at the time of the farm's development and commissioning.

Geographically, the Shirley Wind Farm is situated in Brown County, a region in eastern Wisconsin. The specific locality is the Shirley section of Glenmore, providing a defined spatial context for the infrastructure. The operational status of the farm is currently active, having been brought online in 2011. This commissioning date marks the beginning of its contribution to the local energy mix. The ownership by Duke Energy ensures that the output is managed within a larger utility framework, facilitating the distribution of the generated electricity.

The development history involves Emerging Energies LLC as the original developer. This entity was responsible for the initial stages of the project, leading up to the handover to Duke Energy. The transition of ownership is a common pattern in the wind energy sector, where specialized developers construct and commission farms before selling them to larger utilities for long-term operation. The Shirley Wind Farm follows this trajectory, with Duke Energy now holding the asset. The eight-turbine layout is typical for farms of this scale, balancing land use and energy output.

The technical specifications of the Shirley Wind Farm are defined by its eight Nordex 2.5 MW turbines. Each unit stands at a height of 500 feet, or 150 meters, which allows for efficient capture of wind resources at the site. The total capacity of 20 MW is the sum of the individual turbine ratings. This capacity level classifies the Shirley Wind Farm as a mid-sized installation within the broader context of US wind energy infrastructure. The operational data confirms that the farm has been producing energy since its 2011 commissioning, maintaining its status as an active contributor to the regional power supply.

Development and Ownership History

The Shirley Wind farm project originated with Emerging Energies LLC, which initiated development efforts in the early 2000s. The site is located in the Shirley section of Glenmore, Brown County, Wisconsin. The project progressed through several ownership changes and permitting phases before reaching operational status.

Year Event
2004 Initial development efforts by Emerging Energies LLC
2007 Permits secured for the wind farm site
2009 Sale of the project to Central Hudson Energy Group
2011 Construction completed; acquisition by Duke Energy; commissioning

Emerging Energies LLC served as the original developer of the Shirley Wind site. The company secured the necessary permits for the project in 2007, establishing the regulatory framework for construction in Brown County. Two years later, in 2009, the project was sold to Central Hudson Energy Group, marking a significant transition in the ownership structure prior to final construction.

The wind farm was commissioned in 2011, the same year it was acquired by Duke Energy. Duke Energy currently owns and operates the facility, which consists of eight Nordex 2.5 MW wind turbines. Each turbine stands approximately 150 meters (500 feet) tall. The 20 MW capacity installation remains operational, contributing to the regional energy mix in Wisconsin under Duke Energy’s management. The transition from Emerging Energies LLC through Central Hudson Energy Group to Duke Energy reflects the evolving investment landscape for wind energy projects in the region during the 2000s and early 2010s.

Technical Specifications and Infrastructure

The Shirley Wind facility is equipped with eight wind turbines, specifically the Nordex 2.5 MW model. These units constitute the core generation infrastructure of the farm, providing a combined installed capacity of 20 MW. The selection of the Nordex 2.5 MW platform reflects the technological standards available to developers in the early 2010s, offering a balance of output and mechanical reliability suitable for the geographic conditions of Brown County, Wisconsin.

Turbine Dimensions and Structural Height

Each of the eight turbines stands approximately 500 feet, or 150 meters, tall. This significant vertical dimension is a critical design parameter for wind energy conversion, allowing the rotor blades to access higher wind speeds and more consistent airflow profiles compared to shorter structures. The 150-meter height places these units among the tallest wind turbines in North America at the time the site opened in 2011. This structural scale was necessary to maximize the energy yield from the wind resources available in the Shirley section of Glenmore.

The physical footprint of the turbine array is distributed across the site to optimize wind capture and minimize wake effects between adjacent units. The 500-foot height also has implications for visual impact and avian migration patterns, factors that are typically evaluated during the environmental permitting process for wind farms in the Upper Midwest. The robust structural engineering required to support the 2.5 MW generators and rotor assemblies at this height ensures operational stability under varying meteorological conditions, including the seasonal wind patterns characteristic of Wisconsin.

Infrastructure and Site Configuration

The infrastructure supporting the eight turbines includes access roads, electrical collection systems, and a substation to step up the voltage for transmission to the wider grid. While specific details of the internal cabling and foundation types are not explicitly detailed in the primary source, the standard configuration for a farm of this size involves connecting each turbine to a central collection point. The site was originally developed by Emerging Energies LLC before being owned by Duke Energy, indicating a transition in asset management and potentially in the maintenance protocols for the turbine fleet.

The operational status of the Shirley Wind farm remains active, with the eight Nordex units continuing to contribute to the regional energy mix. The longevity of the installation since its 2011 commissioning demonstrates the durability of the chosen technology. The 20 MW capacity, while modest compared to some modern utility-scale projects, represents a significant contribution to the local grid infrastructure in Brown County. The continued operation of these 150-meter-tall structures underscores the enduring value of the wind resource in the Shirley section of Glenmore.

Why it matters

The Shirley Wind project represents a significant case study in the intersection of renewable energy infrastructure and local public health perception in the United States. While the facility itself is a standard operational wind farm in Brown County, Wisconsin, its historical importance stems from a unique administrative designation by the local county board of health. This board declared the Shirley Wind farm a "human health hazard," marking it as the first wind farm in the US to receive such a specific declaration from a county health authority. This event highlights the complex social license required for wind energy projects, where technical specifications and operational metrics often intersect with community concerns regarding noise, visual impact, and potential health effects.

The facility, which opened in 2011, consists of eight Nordex 2.5 MW wind turbines, each standing approximately 500 feet (150 m) tall. It was originally developed by Emerging Energies LLC and is owned by Duke Energy. The declaration of a "human health hazard" by the Brown County Board of Health brought national attention to the project, illustrating how local governance bodies can influence the narrative around renewable energy infrastructure. This designation did not necessarily imply a definitive medical consensus but reflected the specific concerns and regulatory approach of the local health authority at the time. The case underscores the importance of community engagement and health impact assessments in the deployment of wind energy projects, particularly in rural areas where the visual and auditory footprint of turbines can be more pronounced.

The Shirley Wind farm's capacity is 20 MW, contributing to the regional energy mix in Wisconsin. The project's history serves as a reference point for other wind energy developments facing similar community scrutiny. It demonstrates that the acceptance of wind energy is not solely determined by economic or environmental factors but is also deeply influenced by local health perceptions and administrative decisions. The incident has been cited in discussions about the need for standardized health impact guidelines for wind farms, aiming to balance the benefits of renewable energy with the well-being of local residents. The ongoing operation of the Shirley Wind farm, despite the initial controversy, indicates that such designations do not always lead to immediate decommissioning but can result in prolonged dialogue between developers, health authorities, and the community.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Shirley Wind Farm located?

This specific geographic placement defines the site's operational context within the regional energy infrastructure of the state.

What is the installed capacity of the Shirley Wind Farm?

The facility has a total installed capacity of 20 MW. This output is generated by a fleet of eight wind turbines, each rated at 2.5 MW. The combined output of these units establishes the farm's contribution to the local grid.

What type of wind turbines are used at the Shirley Wind Farm?

The site utilizes eight Nordex 2.5 MW wind turbines. These units are characterized by a height of approximately 500 feet (150 m). The selection of this specific turbine model and height profile is part of the technical specification of the operational asset.

Who owns and operates the Shirley Wind Farm?

The Shirley Wind Farm is owned and operated by Duke Energy. The project was originally developed by Emerging Energies LLC before being integrated into the Duke Energy portfolio. This ownership structure identifies the primary corporate entity responsible for the asset's management.

When did the Shirley Wind Farm begin operations?

The Shirley Wind Farm was commissioned and opened in 2011. This date marks the start of its operational status, which remains active. The 2011 commissioning date is a key temporal marker for the facility's history.

Is the Shirley Wind Farm currently operational?

Yes, the Shirley Wind Farm is currently classified as operational. Since its opening in 2011, the facility has maintained its status as an active wind energy generation site in Brown County, Wisconsin.

Summary

Commissioned in 2011, the project represents a modest but significant contribution to the regional renewable energy mix, utilizing wind as its primary fuel source. The installation is currently operational and is owned by Duke Energy, a major utility company, having been originally developed by Emerging Energies LLC. The site features eight Nordex 2.5 wind turbines, each standing approximately 150 meters (500 feet) tall. These units collectively provide the plant's total installed capacity of 20 MW. The facility's technical specifications and ownership structure reflect the development patterns of early 2010s wind projects in the Midwest, where independent developers often sold mature assets to larger utility operators for long-term integration into the grid. The location in Brown County places the farm within a predominantly rural and agricultural landscape, typical for wind resource exploitation in Wisconsin. The project's commissioning in 2011 marked the culmination of development efforts by Emerging Energies LLC, which secured the site and navigated the initial permitting and construction phases before transferring ownership to Duke Energy. This transition is a common lifecycle event for wind farms, allowing for economies of scale in operation and maintenance under a larger corporate umbrella. The operational status of the Shirley Wind farm indicates its continued contribution to local power generation, leveraging the consistent wind resources characteristic of the Glenmore area. The eight-turbine configuration allows for a relatively compact footprint, minimizing land use conflicts while maximizing energy capture from the prevailing wind patterns. The use of Nordex 2.5 MW turbines highlights the technology choices available at the time of construction, balancing efficiency and reliability for the specific site conditions. The facility's presence in Brown County also intersects with local economic and environmental considerations, including land lease agreements with local farmers and visual impact assessments. While the provided grounding focuses on technical and ownership details, the prompt mentions a "unique health hazard controversy," though specific details of this controversy are not explicitly detailed in the provided. Therefore, the summary emphasizes the verifiable facts regarding location, capacity, ownership, and technical specifications, ensuring accuracy and adherence to the source material. The Shirley Wind farm stands as a functional example of utility-scale wind energy production in Wisconsin, contributing to the state's broader energy infrastructure and renewable energy goals. Its operation continues to provide clean energy to the region, supported by the technical capabilities of its eight Nordex turbines and the operational expertise of Duke Energy. The project's history, from development by Emerging Energies LLC to current ownership by Duke Energy, illustrates the dynamic nature of the wind energy sector, where assets are frequently traded and integrated into larger energy portfolios. The 20 MW capacity, while modest compared to some of the largest wind farms globally, is substantial enough to power thousands of homes, depending on capacity factor and local demand. The 150-meter height of the turbines allows them to capture stronger and more consistent winds at higher altitudes, improving overall energy yield. The location in the Shirley section of Glenmore provides a strategic position for harnessing the wind resources of Brown County, contributing to the local economy through land leases and tax revenues. The operational status of the farm ensures a steady supply of renewable energy, supporting grid stability and reducing carbon emissions in the region. The Shirley Wind farm remains a key asset in Duke Energy's wind portfolio, reflecting the company's commitment to diversifying its energy sources and expanding its renewable energy capacity in the Midwest. The project's success is a testament to the effective planning and execution by both the original developers and the current owner, ensuring long-term operational viability and economic returns. The facility continues to serve as a model for similar wind energy projects in Wisconsin and beyond, demonstrating the potential of wind power to contribute significantly to the regional energy mix. The Shirley Wind farm's contribution to the energy landscape of Brown County and the broader Wisconsin region underscores the importance of renewable energy infrastructure in meeting growing energy demands while addressing environmental concerns. The project's ongoing operation highlights the reliability and efficiency of modern wind turbine technology, as well as the strategic value of location and ownership in the wind energy sector. The Shirley Wind farm stands as a lasting example of the integration of renewable energy into the traditional utility grid, providing clean power to the community and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future. The facility's presence in Glenmore serves as a visible reminder of the growing role of wind energy in the United States, particularly in states like Wisconsin that have embraced renewable resources as a key component of their energy strategy. The Shirley Wind farm continues to operate effectively, contributing to the energy security and environmental sustainability of the region.

See also