County of windmills: Henry County
Location of windmills: I-80, S. side interchange loops, Geneseo
"For two years, a pair of wind towers have dotted the skyline above Geneseo. Because of their visibility and uniqueness, the towers are a curiosity for many in the community.
'"For two years, a pair of wind towers have dotted the skyline above Geneseo. Because of their visibility and uniqueness, the towers are a curiosity for many in the community.
Lewis Opsal, Geneseo’s electric superintendent, said he fields a number of questions from residents regarding the towers.
'“When they’re not running, people always want to know why,” said Opsal. “When the wind isn’t blowing, they won’t turn.”
"The towers require a breeze of at least four to five miles per hour to start turning. If the wind exceeds 52 miles per hour, the towers will turn off for safety reasons, explained Opsal.
'“Eighteen to 22 miles per hour of steady wind is the best,” he said, adding January 2012 has been “a really good month”?for the towers.
"The Vensys wind towers were installed south of Geneseo in late 2009.
"In their first two years in service, the towers have generated 13,430,180 kilowatt hours of power.
'“We’ve been very happy with the results, despite the fact that we had some significant repair issues early on,” said Opsal.
"Generator failure on Turbine No. 2 (the east tower) kept that tower offline for nearly six months.
"Both of Geneseo’s turbines were manufactured by Vensys, a German wind tower company.
"“Of all the wind towers Vensys has constructed worldwide, Geneseo has had two of their five generator failures. They’re very rare,” said Opsal.
'“The generator failure was a surprising issue,” said city alderman Keith Kennett, who, along with alderman Derek Betcher, serves as a liaison to the electric department.
"Vensys staff traveled from Germany to Geneseo to repair Turbine No. 2, which was under warranty. The company also extended the warranties on Geneseo’s towers through 2013.
"Vensys employees in Germany also have the ability to shut down Geneseo’s turbines for routine upgrades and maintenance.
'“Most of the (remote) scheduled maintenance Vensys does is at night here,” explained Opsal.
'"The towers cost?the city $1.1 million, but have generated $1.3 million in revenue thus far, said Kennett.
'“They were paid for with a 20-year bond, but we hope to be able to retire that early,” he said.
"The wind towers add to the city’s electric generating capacity.
'“Geneseo is one of only a few communities in the region that has the ability to fully power its system at maximum loads,” said Kennett.
"Roughly 10 percent of the city’s power needs can be met by the wind towers.
"Despite the fact that Geneseo can produce all of its own electricity, if needed, it’s more cost effective to buy from outside sources.
"Local power is used to supplement what is purchased, a combination that helps keep costs down, said Kennett.
"Though the “bodies” of the wind towers may be located south of town, the “brains” are its computer systems located at the city’s North?Street power station.
"Geneseo utility staff have received training from Vensys to work with the equipment, and will receive additional instruction from the German company in the near future
"Geneseo also has become a model site for other communities and entities considering installing wind towers.
'“If they’re looking to go with Vensys, they often contact us,” said Opsal, adding he’s fielded calls from across the United States on the towers.
"Geneseo’s towers also have become a minor tourism stop. An information sign near the entrance to the wind tower site gives details on the Vensys products.
'"Geneseo’s towers also have become a minor tourism stop. An information sign near the entrance to the wind tower site gives details on the Vensys products.
'“There are always cars stopping by out there,” said Opsal. “At one time, we even had an ESPN truck stopped and a cameraman trying to get pictures of the truck and the towers together.
'“I’ve been told the spot they’re at is the second highest location in Henry County. They’re pretty tall, but there’s something big and graceful about them that appeals to people,” said Opsal.
'“Wind power is becoming more and more common, but it’s still unique to see the towers,” said Kennett. “They’re in a very visible location, and I think that makes them a curiosity for most.”" ~ Geneseo Republic, by Lisa Depies, Feb. 10, 2012