The Wind

Windmills in the Delaware Mountains of west Texas.

Texas can be a windy place, especially in the western part of the state. In several places around the state giant wind farms have sprung up where dozens or hundreds of windmills harness the wind to create electricity. Texas leads the country in the generation of wind power and is set to take the next step forward with even more huge wind projects.

These mills have been up for several years and line the ridgeline of the Delawares. The Delawares are just south of the Guadalupes and the wind can howl through this area so these are sure to be generating power almost non-stop. To let you know how windy it can be here I have camped at GMNP when the National Weather Service has clocked 75mph winds in Guadalupe Pass (yes, that is hurricane force). I sure am glad I have a good tent!

Delaware Mountain Wind Turbines

The Delaware Mountains are due south of of the Guadalupes. They drop off steeply to the west and are very windy.

That wind has drawn the interest of alternative energy and the summits are now lined with wind turbines.

Flying home from El Paso late in the day, I saw the turbines as little white sticks as we fly over the Delawares. The turbines are huge in reality but so small out the window so we must already be up over 25,000'.

Dozens of turbines spinning and generating clean quiet power.