American Wind Week is a time to reflect on Minnesota's growth

U.S. wind power fuels economic growth and jobs — in addition to providing a clean, reliable energy source — thanks to our world-class wind resource and the latest innovations in big data and power engineering. This week marks American Wind Week, a time when we recognize the significant contributions wind power has made throughout the country. 

Blattner Energy, an Avon-based company that has built more wind farms than any other contractor throughout North America, is proud to be a part of these contributions. As part of American Wind Week, Blattner is hosting an engaging group of local and state lawmakers at our corporate office to discuss how the success of wind power is impacting Central Minnesota and the state, as well as its future growth.

Wind is the number one source of renewable energy capacity in the country, and wind technicians are one of the fastest growing professions. Wind power supports 105,000 jobs in farm, factory and port communities in all 50 states, and more than 500 American factories are part of the industry’s supply chain, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

Currently, Minnesota ranks seventh in the United States for installed wind capacity and in 2017, wind generated 18 percent of our electricity; the equivalent of powering more than a million homes. Our state’s success story did not happen by accident; it came from an extraordinary workforce and the pride, quality and safety they instill in their jobs every day.

At Blattner, our employees are not only building clean energy projects, they are also building their careers. This industry offers well-paying jobs, and at Blattner we offer competitive packages and training programs to support employee development, health and well-being. The state’s success also came from smart state and federal energy policies that help support stable markets so companies are confident in building and buying renewable energy. 

From farming communities to factory towns, wind power also brings new investment and new revenue to improve schools, roads and emergency services. Being a contractor of wind power and working in these communities, we look for ways to support and give back, from donating school supplies to equipment for fire departments, on each project we build. Within the communities of Blattner’s corporate office in Central Minnesota, we regularly give back by means of employee-driven and supported annual food drives, toy and clothing drives and blood drives — just to name a few. We take pride in serving the communities where we work, and we act accordingly. 

We are proud to work in an expanding American success story — one that continues to benefit communities from increased tax revenues, land lease payments and expanding job markets. At Blattner, we are confident that our 111-year history will continue far into the future thanks to the talent and dedication of our employees and the support of Central Minnesota. We’re proud to build the projects powering America’s future, while creating new opportunities for communities from coast to coast along the way.

This is the opinion of Jeremy Wacker, vice president of wind at Blattner Energy.