Indian Mesa Wind Farm, Pecos County

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The Indian Mesa wind farm, also known as the Desert Sky project, was constructed in 2000 A.D. Located near the town of Iraan in Pecos County, the project boasts 107 wind turbines spread over a 15-square mile area on top of Indian Mesa. The mesa is north of interstate 10 off U.S. highway 190 before it intersects with highway 305.

Each of the wind turbines rates 1.5 megawatts (150,000 kilowatts). The total height of each structure (tower and blades) equals 328 feet (taller than the Statue of Liberty). This facility produces enough power for 40,000 homes. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and TXU Electric & Gas purchase electricity from the Indian Mesa project. The wind farm is situated on land which is presently used for grazing and for limited oil and gas activity. A portion of the project land is owned by the University of Texas, and royalties from the project will go to support the University of Texas system.



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Small location map.
Note - Indian Mesa is named Desert Sky here.

 


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Juxtaposition of renewable and
nonrenewable energy sources. (BL)


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Group gathers for tour of facility. (BL)


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Ted, Barry, James, Brian
adjust cameras. (KB)

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(BL)


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(BL)

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Brian Lock with camera. (BW)

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(KB)

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Flat topped hill
capped by resistant carbonate. (BW)

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Weathered limestone beds characterize
topography of wind power farm. (BW)

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Caprinid reef - loose blocks. (BW)

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Caprinid reef - loose blocks. (BW)

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Gastropods (turritella?) (KB)


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Gastropods (turritella?) (KB)


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Doodle bugs among fossil gastropods. (KB)
 

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Web Author: Karen W. Broussard