University of Maine at Presque Isle - The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Wind Project

The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Wind Project

We are the first university in the state to move forward on the installation of a wind turbine on campus. This $2 million project, to install a 600 kW wind turbine that will produce 1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, will create more than $100,000 in annual energy savings and keep an estimated 572 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere each year. We see our project as an incredible educational opportunity, allowing us to share our experiences with you as we work to get our wind turbine up and running. So, read on! You'll find all kinds of helpful information, whether you're thinking of installing a wind project of your own or whether you just want to know what it takes to install a mid-size wind turbine.

The University began exploring alternative energy options about 5 years ago when the Gentile Hall building project was underway. After talking with the US Department of Energy about wind power, the University was directed to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst's Renewable Energy Research Laboratory. RERL installed wind monitoring equipment, and the data indicated that a wind turbine would be a fiscally feasible venture for the University.

The University has two main objectives with this project: to reduce its energy bill, and to serve its educational and community roles as a public university. Officials have promised to share all aspects of the campus's experience with students, campus, and people in Maine and beyond interested in exploring wind power options of their own.

	Temp:	63°F
	Wind Chill:	63°F
	Humidity:	94%

	Speed:	6 mph
	Direct.:	150° SSE
	Gusts:	N/A mph

	Barom.	29.72 in

Height of turbine tower:	65 meters
Manufactured:	United States
Length of blades:	47 meters
Manufactured:	Chennai, India
Total height:	90 meters
Power output:	600 kW