Missouri’s High Prairie Wind Farm has experienced three turbine collapses since April 2024. The failures occurred on April 29, August 25, and October 31, forcing most of the 175 Vestas turbines offline. Only 15 turbines remain operational as of March 2025. Weather conditions and blade detachment are suspected causes. The collapses scattered debris across farmland, raising environmental concerns and affecting local economies. Investigations continue to determine what compromised this once-promising renewable energy project.
Three massive wind turbines have collapsed at Missouri’s High Prairie Wind Farm since April 2024, forcing Ameren to shut down the entire facility. The first turbine fell on April 29, followed by others on August 25 and October 31. The wind farm, which opened in 2020 with 175 Vestas turbines, has been mostly inactive for nearly a year.
Ameren is conducting a thorough investigation into what caused these catastrophic failures. As of March 2025, only 15 turbines have been reactivated while workers replace damaged blades on others. Officials believe extreme weather conditions may have contributed to the collapses, creating imbalances that made the turbines topple over. The blade detachment was identified as the primary cause of the imbalance leading to the turbine falls.
Extreme weather may have created fatal imbalances in the turbines, with only 15 of 175 back in service.
The incidents have scattered debris across farmland in Adair and Schuyler counties, raising concerns about soil and groundwater contamination. Environmental experts are still evaluating the potential impact on local wildlife and ecosystems. The disintegration of blades has resulted in debris being scattered over large areas of agricultural land. Cleanup efforts are underway, but the full extent of environmental damage remains unclear.
Local landowners who host these turbines on their property have been affected financially by the shutdowns. The counties may also see reduced tax revenue while the wind farm operates at minimal capacity. Ameren faces significant financial losses from having most of its turbines out of commission.
The Missouri Public Service Commission is monitoring the situation closely. There have been calls for stricter safety regulations and better oversight of wind energy projects throughout the state. The commission might review existing standards for turbine durability and maintenance. This situation contrasts sharply with wind energy’s typical low operating costs after initial installation compared to conventional power sources.
Nearby residents have expressed growing concerns about safety. The repeated failures have fueled debate about wind energy’s reliability as part of Missouri’s renewable energy strategy. Some experts suggest the state should consider diversifying its clean energy sources.
The collapses have drawn attention from other states with similar wind projects. Engineers are examining whether the Vestas V120 2.2-MW turbine model might have design flaws that contributed to the failures. The ongoing investigation could influence wind energy development across the Midwest.
