Created: 10/12/2009 8:17 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email By: Becky Nahm

Anoka's New Wind Turbine Draws Praise and Criticism

Construction started Monday on a wind turbine in Anoka and while some in the community are excited, others think it doesn't make economic sense.

Anoka is one of 11 cities in Minnesota that are building turbines. The cities are part of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, which like most other utilities must provide a certain percentage of renewable energy by the year 2025, under state law.

Tony McFarland owns a commercial cleaning business in Anoka. He's thrilled to see his community doing something to create sources of alternative energy.

He said, "The wind always blows, so as long as its blowing you might as well utilize it."

The 115-foot turbine will stand on the city's northside near the high school. By this time next year, it will power 40 of the city's 10,000 homes.

Council member Steve Schmidt admits that's not a huge number, but calls it a step in the right direction.

Schmidt said. "We're trying to foster this into the next decade and the decade after that."

Council member Mark Freeburg disagrees. He said he supports the environmental impact of the turbine, but said it isn't cost effective.

He said residents won't really notice any impact on their utility bills.

Freeburg said, "I feel a windmill is a symbol and it doesn't accomplish anything."

Supporters of the turbine said in addition to the electricity, the turbine will serve as an educational tool. Students at anoka high school will be able to take measurements and study renewable energy through its operation.

The other ten cities in the MMPA are Arlington, Brownton, Buffalo, Chaska, East Grand Forks, Le Sueur, North St. Paul, Olivia, Shakopee and Winthrop.