Pacific Power to Convert Coal Mine to Wind

Regulators in Wyoming received the request for approval to install 66 wind turbines at a former coal mine, the Portland Business Journal reported.

The Glenrock Wind Energy Project would be built at the site of Pacific Power's Dave Johnston Coal Mine and is expected to be able to generate about 99 megawatts.

The coal mine had been in operation for about 40 years until it was shut down in 2000.

"We are pleased to announce plans for a new Wyoming wind energy facility that will benefit customers by adding new cost-effective renewable energy to our electrical system, as part of a comprehensive strategy to achieve a more balanced mix of resources used to generate electricity," said Pat Reiten, president of Pacific Power.

Pacific Power is based in Portland, Ore., and provides electricity to homes in six states.

If it's approved, the wind farm will be constructed during the next year and is expected to begin generating power by October 2008.