Wind energy is defined by the process in which kinetic energy generated by wind is transformed into mechanical power to generate electricity. Wind power is the fastest growing source of electricity generation in the nation. Xcel Energy buys all of the Colorado wind-generated electricity from the high plains. Wind generated electricity in Colorado jumped from 0.6 percent to 1. percent of the total electricity generated in 2007.
In terms of new construction, Colorado was second in the nation after Texas with new wind capacity for 2007. Most of the new wind-facility construction activity is in northeast Colorado between the small towns of Peetz (Logan County) and Grover (Weld County), which is pictured above. Geographically this area along the Nebraska state line is an elevated high plain with a cliff edge along the southern edge where wind blows continually. This windy area also has existing electric transmission lines that can easily accommodate the new wind turbines.