A New Industry Begins in Kiowa County

Visible construction activity has begun on the Towner East Wind Project, marking a significant milestone for Kiowa County as one of the largest renewable energy developments in the county’s history moves forward.

Contractors have started work on a laydown yard located approximately two miles south of Towner on County Road 68, signaling the start of pre-construction efforts for the wind farm. According to Kiowa County Administrator Tina Adamson, pre-construction officially began on February 2, and the project is currently projected to be completed by May 2027.

To date, Kiowa County has received $3.65 million in impact fees related to the Towner East Wind Project. An additional $1.35 million remains outstanding and is due upon completion of construction or the beginning of operations, bringing the total impact fee payments to $5 million.

Once operational, the project is expected to generate substantial ongoing tax revenue. Property taxes for the wind farm will be state assessed, making final figures uncertain. However, original estimates projected approximately $750,000 per year to be shared among all taxing entities at full production. County officials anticipate a more conservative annual figure of approximately $400,000, depending on actual production levels.

The project also highlights revenue the county will not realize. Had Kiowa County adopted a 1.5% county sales and use tax prior to construction, officials estimate that a single Towner wind project could have generated approximately $6 million in use tax revenue. That same amount represents savings to the project owner due to the absence of the tax.

According to Adamson, the scope of the Towner East project has not changed from what was previously approved. The permit allows for up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation. The project is permitted for as many as 98 wind turbines, each capable of producing 4.5 megawatts, though the total buildout could be smaller and still remain within permitted limits.

Ownership of the project has also been clarified. Xcel Energy is the owner of the Towner East Wind Project, and the permit has transferred from Invenergy to Xcel. Xcel will be responsible for constructing the project.

In a statement summarizing the county’s position, Adamson said the project represents both progress toward Colorado’s renewable energy goals and a significant fiscal opportunity for Kiowa County.

“The Towner East Wind Project represents consistent progress in our state’s advancement of renewable energy production,” Adamson said. “It also represents a significant advance in Kiowa County’s ability to provide important services to our residents for years to come due to the increased tax revenue that it provides. The Board of Commissioners and staff are very pleased to see development moving forward after a difficult start. We are all hopeful that this type of development will prove to be a great fit for Kiowa County.”

County officials note that the Towner East Wind Project is not expected to stand alone. It is one of several renewable energy developments proposed or anticipated for Kiowa County. Additional wind projects, solar developments, and other energy-related proposals are currently in various stages of discussion or review, with more expected in the coming years.

Taken together, these projects signal the beginning of a broader shift in the county’s economic landscape. As large-scale renewable energy development moves from concept to construction, Kiowa County appears to be entering a new renewable energy era—one marked by diversified industry, long-term tax revenue, and an expanding role in Colorado’s evolving energy portfolio.

Xcel Energy was contacted for comment regarding construction activity and project details but did not respond by press time.