Fenner Wind Farm - 2009 Tower Collapse

2009 Tower Collapse

On December 27, 2009, a wind turbine tower unexpectedly collapsed. No one was injured, as it fell in the middle of a field, but it left some Fenner residents worrying that another could fall on a home. Enel corporation is not sure what caused the collapse, but ensured residents that it was unlikely another turbine would fall. Enel began an investigation into the cause of the collapse shortly afterward. The resulting report is expected to be released later in 2010.

The collapse triggered a shutdown of the wind farm, which lasted over eight months. During the shutdown, the foundations of the remaining towers were reinforced with additional steel and concrete. Three of the turbines were returned to production on August 12, 2010. All others went back online in the following weeks. It is unknown if Enel plans to replace the collapsed tower.