Shelling out wind

Shell WindEnergy and Luminant, a subsidiary of TXU, have agreed to jointly develop a 3,000 megawatt wind project in the Texas Panhandle and other renewable energy developments in the state.

To be located in Briscoe County, 80km southeast of Amarillo, Shell and Luminant have proposed the development of compressed air storage technology for the wind farm, which enables excess power to pump air underground for later use in generating electricity. The partnership claimed that this would improve the reliability and economy of the project.

‘Shell is constantly looking for solutions to deal with climate change and increasing our energy diversity. Wind is part of the answer. Our approach is a cost-effective solution for consumers,’ said John Hofmeister, president of Shell Oil.

The Briscoe County wind project will double the current wind power generated in Texas.