When people think of land-based wind farms, the Southeast isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind. Alabama, for instance, doesn’t have a single utility-scale wind turbine in operation. Without seeing those turbines in action, it’s easy to assume wind energy just isn’t viable here. But thanks to recent advancements in turbine technology, it’s time to rethink that assumption.
Alabama and Mississippi have long been friendly rivals, especially on the football field. But recently, Mississippi has claimed an unexpected win in a new field: wind energy. As an Alabama native working for the Southeastern Wind Coalition—the region’s only nonprofit focused on wind energy—I’ve been traveling across states to spotlight the untapped potential of this resource. Now that Mississippi is taking the lead, it’s time for Alabama to rise to the challenge, harness the power of the wind, and turn this rivalry into an economic win for the state.
Tall turbines at AES’ Delta Wind, Mississippi’s First Utility-Scale Wind Farm (Photo credit: Jaxon Tolbert)
Breaking the Myth: Is the Southeast Windy Enough for Wind Energy?
One common misconception in Alabama is that there simply isn’t enough wind to support utility-scale wind projects. But that belief is based on outdated assumptions. Thanks to technological advances, today’s wind turbines can reach heights of over 700 feet, capturing stronger, more consistent winds higher up in the atmosphere.
Historically, wind projects in Alabama were primarily proposed on ridgelines because earlier turbines struggled to capture adequate wind speeds. This resulted in multiple project cancellations and restrictive local ordinances. However, with modern turbine technology, the focus has shifted to flat, open areas. By using taller turbines, developers can harness high-altitude winds, transforming the potential of Alabama’s landscape for wind energy development.
Mississippi’s Delta Wind Project: A Blueprint for Alabama
Just a few hours west of Birmingham lies Tunica County, Mississippi, home to the Delta Wind Project developed by AES. This project is Mississippi’s first utility-scale wind farm, featuring towering 692-foot Vestas turbines. It’s only the second major wind farm in the Southeast, following the Amazon Wind Farm in North Carolina. You can take a video tour of the project!
During a recent visit to Delta Wind with Energy Alabama’s Policy Manager, Laurel Esposito, and Southeast Climate and Energy Network members, I witnessed the strong, consistent winds blowing across the flat farmland. AES and Vestas were gracious hosts, providing invaluable insights into the project. It was remarkable to see all 41 turbines spinning at full capacity in a region known more for soybean and rice fields than renewable energy. The project effectively debunks the myth that the Southeast lacks sufficient wind for land-based wind farms.
Left to right: Jaxon Tolbert (Southeastern Wind Coalition) and Laurel Esposito (Energy Alabama) stand in front of one of AES’ Delta Wind turbines. (Photo credit: Knellee Bisram)
Alex Easdale, Executive Director of the Southeast Climate and Energy Network (SCEN), snaps a selfie of SCEN members and AES O&M staff during our visit to Delta Wind’s O&M building (Photo credit: Alex Easdale)
Groups present: AES, Alabama Rivers Alliance, AHAM Education, Inc., Capacity Collaborative, Energy Alabama, GASP, Mississippi Rising Coalition, People’s Justice Council, Southeast Climate and Energy Network, Southeastern Wind Coalition, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Tunica County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development.
How Data Centers are Driving Wind Energy in the Mississippi
Delta Wind is supported by its partnership with Amazon, the buyer of the power produced by the project. This collaboration is part of Amazon’s $10 billion investment in Mississippi, including helping to power two new data centers near Jackson with wind and solar energy. As Governor Tate Reeves noted in his 2024 State of the State address: “I don’t care if it’s green wind power or black crude oil or anything in between. It’s going to be made in Mississippi.”
This shows how wind energy can flourish in conservative states when aligned with economic interests. So, why not Alabama? The state is already benefiting from significant investments, such as Mercedes-Benz’s recent expansion of its manufacturing operations and Meta’s $800 million data center coming to Montgomery. These projects demand significant energy, creating an ideal opportunity for Alabama to tap into wind power, just as Mississippi has done.
States like Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa—also predominantly conservative—have led the way in wind energy. The issue isn’t political; it’s about demonstrating that wind projects can fuel economic growth. By following Mississippi’s lead, Alabama could harness wind power to support its booming tech and industrial sectors, securing a competitive edge in the Southeast.
The Role of Utilities in Bringing Wind Energy to Alabama
So, how can Alabama draw inspiration from Mississippi’s wind energy success? It starts with recognizing the differences in their energy markets. Unlike Mississippi, which operates within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) territory, Alabama is entirely within the service areas of vertically integrated utilities like Alabama Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). This means that these utilities control power generation, transmission, and distribution. While this setup can present challenges, it also offers opportunities for strategic partnerships.
Alabama has already seen success with solar projects through utility-backed programs. Now, with advancements in turbine technology, there’s significant potential for Alabama’s utilities to explore wind energy. Collaborating with experienced developers could bring cutting-edge wind technologies—like those deployed in Mississippi—into Alabama’s utility territories, helping to meet rising energy needs.
The timing is especially critical. The Inflation Reduction Act provides substantial tax credits for wind projects, but these incentives expire by 2032. Considering that it takes about five years to bring a utility-scale wind project online, exploring and solidifying partnerships with developers within the next year or two could be crucial. By acting now, Alabama’s utilities can secure reliable, cost-effective power sources to meet the growing energy demands of major corporate investments.
Alabama’s Path to Wind Energy: Building Strategic Partnerships
Mississippi’s recent wind energy success shows that even traditionally conservative Southern states can embrace renewables. For Alabama, the key lies in utilities forging strategic partnerships with experienced developers and committed buyers. Just as Mississippi’s collaboration with Amazon gave the Delta Wind project a boost, Alabama can attract similar investments by showcasing how wind power can fuel the region’s growing tech and manufacturing sectors.
The takeaway? Alabama doesn’t need to sit on the sidelines. By leveraging the expertise of developers already active in the Southeast, the state can tap into wind energy as a driver for economic growth. And if anyone insists wind power isn’t possible in the Southeast, just send them this article!
We’ve seen Alabama and Mississippi face off on the football field, so why not in the energy sector? Alabama deserves this win too. If there’s one thing we know, it’s that Alabama loves a good comeback story—and this time, the comeback could be powered by the wind.
SCEN Members caravan behind an AES O&M truck as they travel to Delta Wind’s substation (visible on the right) (Photo credit: Jaxon Tolbert)
By Jaxon Tolbert, Senior Program Associate at the Southeastern Wind Coalition
About the Author
Jaxon Tolbert is a Senior Program Associate at the Southeastern Wind Coalition, where he works on engaging stakeholders for land-based wind energy projects in the Southeast. Before joining SEWC, Jaxon interned with Energy Alabama, contributing to clean energy policy research and education. He holds a BA in Political Science and Earth Ecosystems from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and loves calling Huntsville home. Outside of work, Jaxon enjoys podcasting, hiking, sci-fi movies, and oat milk lattes.
