A Windmill City Once Again?

ASU REI Finalizes Plans To Install Wind Turbine Near Broyhill Inn

Story by Sam Calhoun

ASU has long been a leader in wind energy through academic offerings and a research site on Beech Mountain, and now a new project will advance the university’s focus on the High Country’s renewable energy.

At the Friday, June 6, ASU Board of Trustees meeting, ASU Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Greg Lovins announced that ASU Renewable Energy Initiative plans to install a community-scale wind turbine near the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.

The turbine proposed for the project, a Northwind 100, is a 100-kilowatt machine. The tower height is 115 feet, the blade diameter is 66 feet and the turbine will produce 150,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually—or roughly enough energy to power 10 to 15 residential homes.

“ASU and REI are teaming up to make a great statement in this community,” said George “Ged” Moody, chair of ASU REI. “This project will help introduce the concept of wind energy to the area.”

ASU REI pitched the project in April after a long research process. The organization made sure to address all zoning concerns. According to the project proposal, ASU REI is operating within the parameters of the university zoning requirements, and although town zoning requirements are not applicable at the site, the town is aware and supportive of the project.

ASU REI also did a visual impact study, taking into account the impact of the turbine on many locations throughout the town. Although the turbine will rise well above the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center, Moody said that the turbine will account for “a very small percentage” of the field of vision from many places in downtown Boone, including the Rivers Street entrance to ASU.

“This turbine will help demonstrate that wind turbines are not loud and do not overwhelm the landscape,” said Moody.

The turbine will be located next to the round water tank to the left of the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center, according to Lovins. Power generated from the turbine will be fed into the New River Light and Power grid and not directly to the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center, said Lovins.

The organizers do not yet have a timeline for installation.

“Our hope is that the machine can arrive by this fall and be installed before winter when the best winds come, but that is all contingent on securing a machine,” said Moody. “The real key in wind energy is access to turbines. The demand for the machines is through the roof.”

ASU REI has sent requests for proposals (RFPs) to various wind turbine installers, and is prepared to put a $10,000 down payment on a wind turbine. Moody expects to have more information about the turbine delivery date in the next few weeks.

ASU REI funding comes from a $10 annual student fee, and REI will supply the majority of the turbine project funding. The remainder of the funding will come from university funds, according to Lovins.

Moody hopes the construction of the wind turbine will open the door for future alternative energy projects and further ASU’s stature as a hub for wind energy initiatives.

The turbine proposed is a community-scale model that in size, appearance and energy output is between a residential-scale machine and a utility-scale machine. Moody said the size is the correct scale for the location.

According to the project proposal, “This wind turbine installation will immediately become a shining example of ASU’s commitment to sustainability and a signature image for the university.”

For more information, click to www.rei.appstate.edu.