Tehachapi in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Wind Energy Industry

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 25, 2019
1. Wind Energy Industry Marker
Inscription. Wind Energy Industry. . During the first US energy crises in the 1970s the need for a sustainable and renewable energy was evident and President Jimmy Carter created the first renewable energy program in the country. In the early 1980s the first commercial electricity from wind energy in the United States was produced and thus the modern US Wind Energy Industry was started in Tehachapi. Small turbines that stood only 80 feet tall and produced only 25 kilowatts of power were enough to supple only a handful of homes. Today, these mammoth turbines on tubular towers are over 300 feet tall and generate 1.5 to 2 megawatts and enough power for 700 to 800 average homes.
While there were close to 30 wind companies in the beginning, by 2010 only a handful remained, most notable Florida Power and Light, Oak Creek Energy Systems, Inc., and Zond Energy, which became Enron Wind Power and is now GE Wind Energy, one of the largest producers of wind turbines in the world. In the early 2000s Tehachapi was the largest producer of wind energy and considered the “Wind Capital of the World” but in recent years the title has been challenges by major project developments elsewhere. With the completion of new and upgraded transmission lines by Southern California Edison and additional 4,500 MW of renewable energy will set Tehachapi on course to claim the largest concentration of renewable energy on the face of the planet.
Set on the future need for skilled wind and renewable energy technicians, Airstreams Renewable Inc. provided training and education programs at their 33-acre ‘Green Corner’ Renewable Energy Training Center and Solar Industrial Park in Tehachapi. It showcases Tehachapi as the birthplace for US wind power and promotes renewable energy as sustainable alternative to oil.
The Kern Wind Energy Association was formed in 1983, with its mission to unify the wind industry in the Tehachapi-Mojave Wind Resource Area and promote an environment for wind energy business retention, growth and success. . This historical marker was erected by Main Street Tehachapi, Tehachapi Heritage League, City of Tehachapi. It is in Tehachapi in Kern County California
During the first US energy crises in the 1970s the need for a sustainable and renewable energy was evident and President Jimmy Carter created the first renewable energy program in the country. In the early 1980s the first commercial electricity from wind energy in the United States was produced and thus the modern US Wind Energy Industry was started in Tehachapi. Small turbines that stood only 80 feet tall and produced only 25 kilowatts of power were enough to supple only a handful of homes. Today, these mammoth turbines on tubular towers are over 300 feet tall and generate 1.5 to 2 megawatts and enough power for 700 to 800 average homes.
While there were close to 30 wind companies in the beginning, by 2010 only a handful remained, most notable Florida Power and Light, Oak Creek Energy Systems, Inc., and Zond Energy, which became Enron Wind Power and is now GE Wind Energy, one of the largest producers of wind turbines in the world. In the early 2000s Tehachapi was the largest producer of wind energy and considered the “Wind Capital of the World” but in recent years the title has been challenges by major project developments

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 25, 2019
2. Wind Energy Industry Marker
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elsewhere. With the completion of new and upgraded transmission lines by Southern California Edison and additional 4,500 MW of renewable energy will set Tehachapi on course to claim the largest concentration of renewable energy on the face of the planet.
Set on the future need for skilled wind and renewable energy technicians, Airstreams Renewable Inc. provided training and education programs at their 33-acre ‘Green Corner’ Renewable Energy Training Center and Solar Industrial Park in Tehachapi. It showcases Tehachapi as the birthplace for US wind power and promotes renewable energy as sustainable alternative to oil.
The Kern Wind Energy Association was formed in 1983, with its mission to unify the wind industry in the Tehachapi-Mojave Wind Resource Area and promote an environment for wind energy business retention, growth and success.
Erected by Main Street Tehachapi, Tehachapi Heritage League, City of Tehachapi.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #39 James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2010.
Location. 35° 7.768′ N, 118° 26.876′ W. Marker is in Tehachapi, California, in Kern County. Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 25, 2019
3. Wind Energy Industry Marker
is on S Green Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 310 S Green Street, Tehachapi CA 93561, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Tehachapi Museum (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Tehachapi Museum (here, next to this marker); Errea House (a few steps from this marker); The Kawaiisu (a few steps from this marker); Importance of Water and Creation of Brite Lake (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Explorers in the Tehachapi Area (within shouting distance of this marker); August Weferling House (within shouting distance of this marker); Real Estate Development Since The 1960s (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tehachapi.

Photographed By Denise Boose, August 26, 2009
4. Vestas V17

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 27, 2011
5. Mitsubishi MWT250

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 27, 2011
6. Vestas V90, 3 MW
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2019, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 8, 2019, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.