Jun 25 2009
Appalachian State University with project partner Alteris Renewables, Inc. will today complete the installation of a largely student-funded 100 kW wind turbine at the highest point on campus just above the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on the university's main campus. The Northwind 100 "Direct Drive" turbine is manufactured by Northern Power Systems of Barre, Vermont.
"It's a new moment for Appalachian State University and the state of North Carolina," said Patrick Beville, Design and Construction Project Manager for Appalachian, "We have strong wind resources in our state, and it's time for more institutions and businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to generate power from the wind as well as other renewable energy sources."
The wind turbine will generate around 145,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, roughly equivalent to the electricity needs of about 10-15 American households per year.
A student-led initiative, the ASU Renewable Energy Initiative, began in 2004 with the goal of adding renewable sources to the university's energy mix. The students overwhelmingly agreed to contribute $5 per student, per semester to bring renewable energy technologies to campus, including the wind turbine that will soon spin over the Broyhill Inn. New River Light & Power was also a large contributor to the purchase of the turbine, helping pay for costs not covered by the students' contribution.
Crystal Simmons, student project manager for the turbine installation, said, "This is very much a student-led achievement, from the initial conservations about bringing a wind turbine to ASU to raising the funds and spearheading this project."
"Appalachian State University and the student-led Renewable Energy Initiative on campus are setting a solid example for the next generation of energy use in North Carolina," said Bob Chew, President of the Wind Business unit of Alteris Renewables, "The fact that the students felt strongly enough about this project to contribute funds to help make this turbine installation possible should be a source of pride for Appalachian State University."