Feb 26, 2009 7:41 pm US/Eastern
Medford Harnesses The Winds Of Change
MEDFORD (WBZ) ―
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This turbine is helping to power the McGlynn School -- accouting for 10 percent of energy use amounting to $25,000 in annual savings.
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"It is like pennies from heaven," said the Mayor of Medford, Michael McGlynn.
If you drive on 93 North out of the city, you can't miss what he is talking about.
On the right side of the highway behind the McGlynn School (yes, named for his father), stands a 100 foot talk wind turbine. The turbine is helping to power the school -- accouting for 10 percent of energy use amounting to $25,000 in annual savings.
"We know where utility costs are headed, so we know that the savings will be greater in the future," said McGlynn. "Obviously we wanted to do something for the environment and to reduce energy costs," he added, "and we also wanted to educate a whole new generation of kids about what the future can be."
Sixth grade science teacher Sean O'Conner uses the school's wind turbine as a teaching tool.
"I think that the kids are really starting to get a feel for how important this is beyond our school and what it means for our city, state, and nation," said O'Conner.
New wind turbine technology developed by
Northern Power of Vermont is helping bring community scale wind power to urban areas like Medford.
"This technology is fundamentally different in that it is a simpler design, it's quieter, it's more reliable, and works extraordinarily well at low wind speeds," said John Danner, CEO of Northern Power.
The turbines are also 40 times smaller than the offshore versions making them compatible with an urban setting.
"Community wind brings the opportunity to create energy for small businesses, schools, and town centers," Danner added.
The wind turbine begins to produce power once wind speeds exceed 7mph. If sustained winds exceed 55mph, the blades shut down for safety.
Although the best wind in the state can be found offshore and in the higher terrain of central and western Mass., these new turbines are able to generate energy at lower "cut in" speeds, representing a new and growing market.
View Wind Energy Maps:
Mass. at 70 meters
Mass. 50 meter wind power
Mass., Conn., R.I. map at 30 meters
In fact, Massachusetts is leading the nation in community scale wind with over 100 projects in various stages of development. These projects, in turn, are creating a host of green jobs. Gov. Deval Patrick thinks that
wind power needs to be a major part of the Commonwealth's future.
"I think what's important, and Medford is a great example, is that everyone needs to get accustomed to the idea that wind is a source of power we need," said Ian Bowles, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
And our state will soon be a hub for wind technology research and development. The U.S. Department of Energy selected Massachusetts as one of two wind technology testing centers in the country. The wind blade test facility will be located in Charlestown on the autoport near the Tobin Bridge. Construction begins later this year.
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