Monahans rolls with the wind

MONAHANS Along with potentially saving money in the long run, city leaders consider the twin wind turbines visible off Interstate 20 to be 200-foot-tall billboards for Monahans.

"First and foremost was the value of putting wind turbines along the interstate to show people this is a wonderful part of the country to get energy from wind," Monahans Mayor David Cutbirth said.

The 50-kilowatt turbines were installed late last year and went online in January. Cutbirth said they provide power to the city's affluent water treatment plant.

"Affluent sounds better than a sewer plant," he said.

Along with promoting West Texas wind energy, the turbines, which cost $360,000, will save the city money in the long run. Cutbirth said the turbines would pay for themselves in seven to 10 years if energy prices remain the same, but if they go back up, it could take as little as five years.

The turbines power all of the water plant's needs when wind is more than 12 to 15 mph, which happens most afternoons and evenings, Cutbirth said.

The city is also looking at using wind for other projects that run constantly. Cutbirth said pumping water into the city's water tower and golf course with wind power are being considered.

And wind isn't the only renewable energy Monahans is considering. Cutbirth said it's working on a solar project that would power some city facilities while allowing it to make money by selling excess energy for use on the power grid.

The projects continue a trend for Monahans, said Morse Haynes, the city's economic development director. Monahans became one of the first cities to use wastewater on parks and golf courses 25 years ago.

"It makes the community aware that there's a lot of things they can do to save money and not pollute so bad," Haynes said.

Cutbirth said response has been positive both from residents and people traveling through town. But it's just the beginning of a long-term plan.

"We're in the middle of a very mature oilfield," he said. "The jobs won't be here forever. We realize we need to diversify. We've been working in that direction for several years."