Left Blowing in the Wind, Highland New Wind To Tell Story of Permits

Tal McBride, who along with his father, Henry, launched Highland New Wind in 1999, will relate to the Energy Technology Summit his trials and tribulations in getting the first commercial wind farm permit through the state's regulatory system.

The 140-foot-high, wind turbines will soon provide about 40 megawatts of electricity - enough to power about 15,000 homes. A new substation will be needed to tie the turbines to a 69-kilovolt line owned by Allegheny Power.

In 2006, wind farms in 36 states generated less than 1 percent of the country's electric supply. Within 15 years, that figure is projected to grow to 2 to 7 percent.

The summit's ninth speaker, McBride will be introduced to the summit delegates by Southwestern Virginia Technology Council President-elect Shannon Blevins . Summit delegates can expect this presentation to be much more than hot air.