Greensburg Harnesses the Wind to Rebuild its Community

Since the tornado devastated the town of Greensburg, Kansas, the remaining residents have been dedicated to rebuilding their community. So far, the rebuilding process has been an opportunity to remake the town as an environmentally friendly community with a burgeoning local green-economy. Their accomplishments are truly amazing but one dream has always remained just out of reach—until now.

During the very first discussions of Greensburg's future, it was made clear that the town should be 100% powered by renewable energy. Installing these costly systems and rebuilding the infrastructure, alongside the rest of the town has been a nearly insurmountable challenge. The town of Greensburg, however, has proved once again that with hard work, determination, and some generous friends, anything is possible.

On October 23, ground will be broken on the Greensburg Wind Farm. Thanks to the contributions of John Deere Wind Energy, the National Renewable Energy Labratory, and NativeEnergy, Greensburg will soon be powered by 10 wind turbines. Once installed, the turbines will each supply 1.25 megawatts of power to the Kansas Power Pool, a co-operative of Kansas cities producing municipal power.

Like so much of what Greensburg has accomplished, this project has ramifications for communities across Kansas and around the country. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented that:

This project will not only enhance our country's long-term energy security by producing clean, renewable energy, but also create green jobs and generate income in the local community...Greensburg stands out as an example of the promise and potential in communities throughout the country.

Indeed, the Greensburg Wind Farm will stand as the culmination of the town's vision. One day soon, the town that was destroyed by a tornado will harness the wind to power its rebirth.

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