MidAmerican Energy faces scrutiny over wind turbine safety distances

During a recent government meeting, Kelsey Ballard from MidAmerican Energy Company addressed safety concerns regarding wind turbine siting in relation to extreme weather events. Ballard highlighted the company's commitment to safety, referencing feedback from three major turbine manufacturers—GE Vernova, Vestas, and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy—regarding safe distances from turbines during severe weather.

GE Vernova recommended a safety distance of 1.1 times the turbine's tip height, which includes considerations for hazards such as ice throw and blade failure. Vestas advised technicians to maintain a minimum radius of 500 meters during such events, while Siemens Gamesa provided comprehensive safety protocols, including evacuation procedures.

Ballard emphasized MidAmerican's long-standing operational history and safety record in Woodbury County, asserting that the company has effectively managed wind turbine operations for over two decades without incident. However, the discussion revealed a discrepancy between the recommended safety distances from the manufacturers and MidAmerican's initial proposal of 660 feet from homes.

Concerns were raised by meeting participants regarding the adequacy of the 660-foot setback, especially in light of Vestas's recommendation for a 500-meter radius during emergencies. Questions were posed about the implications of these distances, particularly in relation to reported incidents of debris being thrown from turbines.

Ballard maintained that the existing safety measures have proven effective and that the company relies on a balanced approach to ordinance development, incorporating various data points and real-world experiences. The dialogue underscored the ongoing challenges and considerations in establishing safe operational practices for wind energy generation in the region.