The 300 megawatt Verdigris Wind Farm is under development in Craig and Nowata counties, Oklahoma, approximately 60 miles north of Tulsa.
The wind farm is named after the Verdigris River and will be located on private property, offering participating landowners a new and reliable source of income while maintaining the traditional agricultural use of their land. Verdigris Wind Farm will produce enough clean energy to power more than 82,000 homes.
Status: In development
onshore wind farm
Construction Jobs
Operations Jobs
Of annual pollution reductions (PM2.5, NOx, SO2)
Of water saved per year
In annual public health savings
Supporting Communities
Verdigris Wind Farm will provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Craig County and local taxing districts. This new source of public funding can reduce the tax burden on local residents and be used to support essential services including schools, roads, fire departments and first responders.
Supporting Ranchers
Ranchers who choose to harvest wind power are following a long tradition of using their land responsibly for agricultural and ranching purposes. Verdigris Wind Farm will be located on private property, which will continue to be used for grazing and agriculture over the 35-year life of the project. Wind farms leave over 98% of the land within a project’s footprint untouched and are designed to coexist with regular agricultural operations because the landowners who choose to host wind turbines can continue to work their land while gaining the opportunity to reinvest their agricultural operations, save for retirement, and use their increased purchasing power to support local businesses throughout the community.
Supporting Rural Economies
Hundreds of jobs will be created during construction, offering opportunities for residents to enter the rapidly expanding clean energy workforce. Local businesses will see an economic boom as demand for lodging, restaurants, supplies, vehicle maintenance, and fuel increases throughout the 9-12 months of construction. During operations, 10-12 permanent positions will be created to operate Verdigris Wind Farm, and the project will continue to source supplies from local businesses.
Wind energy is the lowest cost source of electricity today. Wind farms increase the resiliency of the electric grid while protecting consumers from the volatility and rising costs of traditional energy sources.
Verdigris Wind Farm will be designed to complement existing ranching land uses, protect the soil, and avoid impacts to wildlife.
Wind farms produce electricity without generating any pollution, resulting in cleaner air and water when compared to traditional power plants. The average wind farm leaves 98% of the land undisturbed, leaving it free for other uses like farming and ranching.
Comprehensive studies are required as part of the planning and permitting process to protect public safety and the environment.
Wind energy is a major climate change solution, which is the largest threat to many species and their habitats. Wind power is far less harmful to wildlife than traditional energy sources it displaces, including to birds and their critical habitats.
At the end of Verdigris Wind Farm’s useful life, equipment will be removed and the land can be returned to its original uses.