May 12, 2009 6:08 pm US/Eastern
Wind Could Power New Jobs In Mass.
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Today Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Governor Deval Patrick announced $25 million in federal stimulus money to build the largest testing site for wind turbine blades in the world.
Patrick says the project will bring 250 construction jobs, and lure more wind energy businesses to the area to be near the testing site.
Steve Lockard, of TPI Composites in Rhode Island, says they are ready to send their turbines to Massachusetts for testing. "We've been ready for a couple of years and we're anxious to see the facility grow and get to work."
He believes it will attract other research and development jobs to the area. "This can serve as a magnet for additional blade technology development for wind turbines."
Right now, there is only one place to test turbine blades in the U.S. It's in Colorado, and can only test blades that are less than 50 meters long. This facility will be able to test blades that are up to 90 meters long.
Secretary Chu says Massachusetts site has a lot to offer. "This was chosen because the blades have become so big that you can't transport them by rail or by truck, they won't make turns. These blades must come in by sea and they will be primarily for off shore applications."
State Energy Secretary Ian Bowles says, "This is a marquis facility for Massachusetts that will drive a lot of innovation. You'll see a lot of energy companies wanting to be located near here to they can access some of the technical resources and intellectual potential that's here."
Bowles says, "Wind energy is the fastest growing source of energy in the world, and for us to have the world's largest testing facility for the most important new source of energy here in Massachusetts should be a point of pride for everyone."
Brian Juhn, of Aeronautica Wind Power in Plymouth, says this site will save them shipping costs, and also position their companies well. "It's obviously a lot closer for us, and it's going to attract a lot of other wind industry to mass and puts us in the center of things."
Massachusetts was chosen to house the site two years ago. Officials had been working on the plans, and the project was chosen for stimulus funds because it's shovel ready.
Ground breaking is planned for September. Testing should begin at the end of next year.
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