KFDA - NewsChannel 10 / Amarillo, TX: newschannel10.comWind Farm's Future Under Uncertain Economic Times

Wind Farm's Future Under Uncertain Economic Times

Many experts are saying it's going to be a booming industry for many years to come.

But as the financial markets continue to disappoint investors, wind energy may be affected here in the Panhandle.

The high plains are home to some of the best wind for energy production.

But as the markets continue a downward spiral, the future is uncertain.

For months and even years, several projects have been planned for the Panhandle.

One of the largest, is T. Boone Pickens, Mesa Power project outside of Pampa.

The original proposal of 4,000 megawatts, may not turn out to be as big because of the stock market.

Mesa power told NewsChannel 10 this week:

"The capital markets are problematic for everyone, and we are keeping an eye on them. We are committed to wind development projects and believe it's a viable business for us. The capital markets may lead us to scale back a bit but we are still going forward with our wind business."

WHILE MESA AND OTHER COMPANIES ARE SCALING BACK, ONE COMPANY IS PUSHING FORWARD WITH DEVELOPMENT IN THE PANHANDLE.

"We're going to see a lot of clean renewable energy from this project," said Glen Hodges the project manager for the Majestic Wind Farm.

The Majestic Wind Farm is being built just north of Panhandle in Carson County.

The developers see this as a great chance to capitalize on the market, while others are still planning.

And they hope to reverse the economic uncertainty.

"Primarily you have a significant increase on the tax base. You also have a lot of employment created," said Hodges.

The majestic farm will pump extra money into the county by also paying the landowner royalties.

They should have all 53 turbines producing energy by the first of the year.