And Then There Were Two

Construction of MWCC's second 1.65 MW Vestas V82 wind turbine was completed on Friday, Dec. 17 with the twilight lift of the massive rotor.

Construction of the south turbine tower began on Friday, Dec. 10, when the base component was set in place. On Monday, Dec. 14, the remaining sections of the tower were assembled, followed by the nacelle the next day.

Now that both turbines are up, work will continue to link them to the college's electrical system. In early 2011, both towers will be commissioned to ensure they are operating properly, training will take place for members of the facilities department, and the turbines will go online with National Grid, said MWCC Resident Engineer Ed Terceiro.

"Our hope is to have them operational in late January or early February," he said.

Over the past decade, the college has made extraordinary strides in renewable energy initiatives, saving nearly $4 million in utility costs while simultaneously benefitting the environment, MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino said.

The $9 million wind project, part of the Massachusetts Leading By Example renewable energy initiative, is being funded through a variety of sources, including $3.2 million in U.S. Department of Energy grants secured by Congressman John Olver; $2.1 million from a low interest Clean Renewal Energy Bond (CREB) made available through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act; and $3.7 million from Massachusetts Clean Energy Investment Bonds.