Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle is closer to the total needed to construct a windmill on site that will produce electricity for campus use, thanks to a $50,000 Voluntary Renewable Resources Fund grant. Maine Public Utilities Commission Chairman Kurt Adams made the presentation during a recent meeting with UMPI President Don Zillman. The funds will be used toward a wind power project that will save the University an estimated $100,000 annually in electricity charges.
Zillman first heard of the grant during a conversation with Adams.
“During a meeting with Kurt I asked if there were any state financial support available to help us. Kurt paused, then said, ‘I thought you’d never ask.’ It was then that he told me about the renewable fund the Legislature approved for the PUC to provide through grants. We jumped at the chance to receive such funding,” said Zillman.
The application was submitted in August and University officials were notified in September that the campus was selected to receive funding. “The funds will go toward one phase of the project — in the beginning,” said Zillman.
The University first announced plans to construct a windmill back in the spring, continuing in its efforts to ‘go green’ whenever possible.
“We’re happy to play a leadership role. Judging by those at the recent wind power conference – there were approximately 135 registered participants – we’re not alone in looking for ways to save money through the use of alternative energy sources,” said Zillman.
The total cost of the project is estimated at around $2 million for the construction of a 400 kw to 700 kw wind turbine that will produce one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year.
“Once fully operational, the turbine will save an estimated 572 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere each year – the equivalent of removing 123 cars from the road,” said Adams. “It will serve as a demonstration project that can educate Maine communities on the value and cost-effectiveness of harnessing natural resources for clean electricity.”
The bottom line, according to Zillman, is having the support and resources to bring such a project to completion.
“The bottom line from the start is we’ve had university resources to support us in our efforts. And we’re always happy when we can find free money to advance our efforts. We’re going to go ahead and do this and hope to be an example for others,” said Zillman.
