Construction is under way on a 2 MW wind turbine at the University of Delaware's (UD) Hugh R. Sharp Campus, which is part of UD's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.
The effort is spearheaded by UD and Gamesa Technology Corp. Inc., with Sustainable Energy Development Inc., the Department of Energy, the city of Lewes and the state of Delaware as key partners.
In addition to providing carbon-free electricity generation, the project is expected to enhance research in areas such as turbine corrosion, avian impacts and policy issues related to renewable energy, according to UD. Information gained from the project is expected to help the university and Gamesa establish an offshore wind turbine in the U.S. in 2011 or 2012.
The 300-ton turbine will be located to the north and west of campus buildings. When completed, it will stand 400-feet high from its tower base to the apex of its blade at peak rotation. Excess power from the turbine will be fed to the electric grid for use by the city of Lewes.
The turbine is expected to be in operation and generate electricity beginning in April.
SOURCE: University of Delaware Â
