Earlier this month TWW visited the Rush Creek Wind Farm in Eastern Colorado with legislative candidates from across the Front Range to see firsthand how one of the largest wind farms in Colorado operates and to learn about its economic impacts to the state and regional economy. Rush Creek is owned and operated by Xcel Energy and is the second largest wind farm in Colorado. The farm spans four counties – Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne – and generates 600 MW of electricity or the equivalent of 325,000 homes.
Rush Creek is a major economic driver in those counties with the farm driving an estimated 2,970 jobs and $570 million in output during the construction phase. Now in full operation, Rush Creek drives over 180 full time jobs and $33 million in annual economic output. Rush Creek is also expected to result in $180 million in lease payments and local property taxes over the life of the project. NREL has conducted an in-depth analysis of the economic impacts of the project.
TWW got an on the ground look at operations on the Rush Creek wind farm and how Xcel and its partners manage the 95,000 acre site.
TWW also spent time with Rep. Rod Bockenfeld, Lincoln County Commissioner Steve Burgess, and Elbert County Economic Development Director Marc Dettenrieder to learn more about the local economic impacts of renewable energy development in Eastern Colorado.