Oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens’ name might not be on the tip of your tongue when thinking of important contributors to the environmental movement but perhaps it should be.  One of the most successful oil developers in history is set to try his hand at wind farm development.  

Beginning in 2011, Pickens and his company will finance a 4,000-megawatt wind farm in rural Texas that stands to be over 5 times the size of the current largest wind farm.  By comparison, the U.S. wind power industry as a whole set a record by installing just over 5,200 MW in 2007. 

While he hasn’t completely turned his back on the oil market, Pickens believes the United States needs to develop alternative power sources and become less reliant on foreign oil supplies. 

“Foreign oil is costing us $500 billion a year,” said Pickens.  “In 10 years, $5 trillion goes out of the country.  It’s nuts.  It’s the greatest transfer of wealth from one area to another in the history of the world.” 

Pickens instead advocates investing the money in US-based endeavors such as wind energy and ethanol, thus creating more jobs as well as alleviating our growing demand for oil.  He’s certainly doing his part.  At a cost of roughly $10 billion his proposed wind farm will generate enough power to support over one million homes. 

T. Boone Pickens and his massive wind farm plans can be seen as nothing but good news for the renewable energy industry because when one of the largest supporters of the oil industry hitches his wagon to wind power, others are sure to follow. 

For more information on the colorful man and his views on everything from oil to politics check out the June 2008 issue of Fast Company.

A Mighty Wind.”  Case, David.  Fast Company.  June 2008.  p.80-83.