By Ryan Duey

Enel Green Power is finalizing a conditional use permit application for a 54,500-acre wind farm in southeast Dickinson County. Development manager Jon Beck mentioned that they are resolving final details regarding decommissioning and a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement. The application is nearly ready for submission, after which the Planning and Zoning Commission will schedule public hearings.

Beck addressed a misconception that the turbines would be visible from Abilene, assuring that they will not impact the city’s tourism as they won’t be seen from there. He emphasized that the project will not move closer to Abilene, explaining that the current location is optimal for wind resources and transmission capacity will be maxed out post-project. This is the sole project Enel is pursuing in Dickinson County, and there are no plans for expansion toward Abilene.