‘Look What We Did’

ASU REI Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Broyhill Wind Turbine

Story by Sam Calhoun

A virtual who’s who of renewable energy experts from ASU, ASU REI and across the state, as well as local officials and businesspeople involved with the project, gathered at the Broyhill Inn last week to celebrate the installation of the largest wind turbine in the state. Guests included Tim Inman, general contractor for Alteris Renewables, the company that installed the turbine; Rick Presnell, general manager of New River Light & Power; Watauga County Commissioner John Cooper; ASU Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Greg Lovins; Crystal Simmons, former chair of ASU REI; Clary Franco, current chair of ASU REI; N.C. Sustainable Energy Association Director of Economic Research and Development Paul Quinlan; and various representatives from Alteris Renewables and ASU. Franco cut the ceremonial ribbon on behalf of the group and added, “We’re finally bringing wind energy back to Boone.” Photo by Sam Calhoun

“Look what we did—there are so many thanks to go around,” said Ged Moody, ASU sustainability director and former member of the ASU Renewable Energy Initiative (REI), during a November 12 ribbon cutting celebration for the 100-kilowatt wind turbine installed near the Broyhill Inn on the ASU campus.

“REI—you did this! Students—you did this! Look what you did—a 93 percent majority [of ASU students] voted to give $10 per year toward renewable energy projects. You can’t find 93 percent of students who like beer, who like pizza,” exclaimed Moody.

A virtual who’s who of renewable energy experts from ASU and across the state, as well as local officials and businesspeople involved with the project, gathered at the Broyhill Inn last week to celebrate the installation of the largest wind turbine in the state. Guests included Tim Inman, general contractor for Alteris Renewables, the company that installed the turbine; Rick Presnell, general manager of New River Light & Power; Watauga County Commissioner John Cooper; ASU Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Greg Lovins; Crystal Simmons, former chair of ASU REI; Clary Franco, current chair of ASU REI; N.C. Sustainable Energy Association Director of Economic Research and Development Paul Quinlan; and various representatives from Alteris Renewables and ASU.

The turbine was installed more than four months ago and is a Northwind 100 that rises 121 feet into the air, features a blade diameter of 54 feet and produces 150,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, or roughly enough power to meet the needs of 10 to 15 residential homes.

During the celebration, Lovins explained that in 2004, 93 percent of the ASU student body voted to approve a $5 per semester fee to fund renewable energy projects on campus.

“That was a slam dunk for supporting renewable energy,” said Lovins.

Clary Franco, current chair of ASU REI, accepts the 2009 Student Organization of the Year award on behalf of ASU REI from Paul Quinlan, N.C. Sustainable Energy Association director of economic research and development, during the wind turbine ribbon cutting celebration on November 12. Photo by Sam Calhoun

The ASU REI committee consists of seven student members that vote on committee decisions and five faculty/staff advisors that assist in the implementation of renewable energy systems on campus. ASU REI uses the renewable energy student fee to fund its projects.

The turbine is unique from other REI projects not only because it is its first incorporation of wind energy, but also because the committee partnered with the local utility company, New River Light & Power, to finance the project. The Senior Class of 2009 also made a contribution to the turbine.

According to Simmons, the turbine project was proposed, designed and installed in 16 months.

“I’m very proud of this project,” said Simmons. “I want to thank ASU for creating an environment where students can take [ideas] as far as they want to.”

Although the renewable energy student fees contributed greatly to the project, Rio Tazewell, public relations officer for ASU REI, said that if it were not for funding help from New River Light & Power, “REI would only have half the money for the project.”

“I want to thank all of you for letting New River Light & Power participate in this exciting project,” said Presnell during the celebration.

“And look what you did, New River Light & Power,” said Moody. “There’s not a utility company in the state that can say it built a wind turbine on their footprint—you guys did this.

“For decades to come, you all can say, ‘Look what I did,’” continued Moody. “I want to congratulate everyone in the room for doing something iconic.”