March 5, 2009 Issue
Wind Matters
Broyhill Wind Turbine Public Information Held Wednesday
The ASU Renewable Energy Initiative plans to install a community-scale wind turbine near the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center in April. Photo courtesy of ASU REI
ASU has long been a leader in wind energy through academic offerings and a research site on Beech Mountain. Now, a new project is advancing the university’s focus on the High Country’s renewable energy.
The student-led ASU Renewable Energy Initiative (ASU REI) hosted a Broyhill Wind Turbine Public Information Forum on Wednesday, March 4, in the Helen A. Powers Grand Hall at the Broyhill Inn & Conference Center to present the details of a community-scale 100-kilowatt wind turbine that will be installed on the grounds of the Broyhill Inn & Conference Center this year. The machine will generate clean, renewable energy and will feed the energy produced directly into the electrical grid. Installation is set to begin on April 1.
The soon-to-be-installed turbine is a Northwind 100. 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 Ged Moody, ASU Entrepreneur in Residence, in late 2008. “This project will help introduce the concept of wind energy to the area.”
The wind turbine will be the largest in North Carolina and will serve as a demonstration project for all community members in the High Country. The project was conceived and designed by the ASU REI. Funding for this project comes from student fees that are voluntarily pledged to the ASU REI so that renewable energy projects may be placed on the ASU campus. New River Light & Power is contributing funds to the project as well.
ASU REI pitched the project in April 2008 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 ASU Vice-Chancellor Greg 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.
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.”
The event on March 4 consisted of a half-hour project presentation by the ASU REI, brief comments from ASU administration and select wind energy experts and a one-hour open discussion forum where community members asked questions about the project. More information on the meeting and the new wind turbine will be included in next week’s High Country Press.
For more information, click to rei.appstate.edu.
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