The Vindicator, a new device developed by Catch the Wind, Inc., uses laser technology to determine the direction of wind 300 meters away, saving wind turbines valuable time, energy, and maintenance by allowing the turbine motor to adjust the direction of the blades before the oncoming wind reaches it. This was but one of many displays at Oklahoma Wind Commerce 2009 which took place Tuesday and Wednesday at the John Q. Hammons Conference Center next to the Embassy Suites off of 24th street. The event was held to promote the wind energy industry in Oklahoma, and according to Vice President of Development-Central U.S., ACCIONA Energy North America Tom Hiester, wind energy in Oklahoma has the potential to be a 3 billion to 5 billion dollar per year industry. Tyler Metcalfe/The Daily

Wind Commerce 2009, a multi-national convention promoting wind power’s economic and environmental use throughout Oklahoma, took place Tuesday and Wednesday at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in north Norman.

Over 430 people registered to attend the two-day event, said Kylah McNabb, wind development specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

“[The convention] is to showcase Oklahoma and what we can provide to the wind industry,” McNabb said. “Oklahoma is projected to be the No. 2 provider of wind energy in the United States. We are trying to connect Oklahoma to the supply chain.”

The convention displayed more than 70 exhibits presenting businesses, research institutions and universities interested in promoting and using wind power. OU’s branch of the Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative participated, and the “OU Spirit” wind farm, scheduled to be completed in early 2010, was also featured.

McNabb said Oklahoma is one of the most promising sites for developing the wind industry, and that holding the convention in Norman was a great way to present the state’s capabilities.

“We’re showing a move from not just from wind development, but really taking the next step to making Oklahoma a leader in the wind energy industry,” McNabb said.

She explained the conference was an important step in marketing Oklahoma as one of the best places to develop wind energy.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins spoke about Oklahoma’s role in the development of wind power in her opening address on Tuesday.

“We believe that Oklahoma is perfectly located to develop this industry in our state,” Askins said. “Wind power is an opportunity to expand Oklahoma’s power industry.”

OU participated in the convention through its branch of the Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative, which had a booth at the convention.

Britton Rife, 2009 environmental studies graduate and OWPI outreach coordinator, said the OWPI helps facilitate between landowners interested in harnessing wind power and wind energy professionals. They also do educational outreach concerning wind energy, she said.

“It was great to see all of the Oklahoma companies and research groups and business professionals networking together and talking about the possibilities and potential for the wind industry in Oklahoma,” Rife said.

Geology professor Scott Greene, who directs the OU branch of OWPI, also spoke during the conference.

“One of [the] things we’re doing is trying to foster community in wind power,” Greene said. “Research is trying to develop products and services that companies can use to develop economically.”

Lowell B. Catlett, an economic futurist and dean of the college of environmental sciences at New Mexico State University, gave the convention’s keynote address on how wind energy and other environmentally friendly technologies would change in the coming generations.

“This world will change, and change very quickly,” Catlett said. “You cannot have healthy humans separated from plants and animals and people.”

Catlett talked about how far wind energy has come, from his childhood when it powered batteries, to now, where it powers cities and towns. Catlett said the coming generations will not be looking for cheap energy, but clean energy.

Rife said she thought the conference served its purposed of uniting the wind industry in Oklahoma.

“It was really neat to see the big picture and to see everyone together,” Rife said. “It brought a wide spectrum of Oklahoma residents, businesses and companies together to discuss the industry.”