Chevron Dismantles Wyoming Wind Farm with Explosives

Chevron is planning to use controlled explosives to remove wind turbines from a parcel outside Casper, Wyoming. The Natrona County Fire District announced that the contractor, Destructable, will use energetic felling techniques, including shape charges, to fell the towers.

Natrona County Fire Chief Howard Oden explained that the explosions are not intended to blow up an entire wind tower but rather a significant portion of its base. This will cause the tower to tip over, much like cutting down a tree with an axe. The blasts are expected to be loud and produce temporary vibrations.

The demolition is part of Chevron's decommissioning plan for the 11-turbine wind farm, which has been inactive due to lack of purchase agreements with Pacific Corp./Rocky Mountain Power. The company plans to reuse or recycle as many turbine components as possible, with some materials going to salvage and recycling channels.