Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle is closer to the total needed to construct a windmill on site that will produce electricity for campus use, thanks to a $50,000 Voluntary Renewable Resources Fund grant.
Photo courtesy of UMPI
University of Maine at Presque Isle President Don Zillman, from left, Maine Public Utilities Commission Chairman Kurt Adams and Vice President for Administration and Finance Charlie Bonin gathered for a press conference last week at the Aroostook Centre Mall where Adams announced that the University would receive a $50,000 MPUC grant to put toward its wind power project.
Maine Public Utilities Commission Chairman Kurt Adams made the presentation during a recent meeting with UMPI President Don Zillman. The funds will be used toward a wind power project that will save the University an estimated $100,000 annually in electricity charges.
Zillman first heard of the grant during a conversation with Adams.
“During a meeting with Kurt I asked if there were any state financial support available to help us. Kurt paused, then said, ‘I thought you’d never ask.’ It was then that he told me about the renewable fund the Legislature approved for the PUC to provide through grants. We jumped at the chance to receive such funding,” said Zillman.
The application was submitted around August and University officials were notified sometime in September that the campus was selected to receive funding. Zillman said it’s up to staff’s discretion how the funds will be used but noted the money will most likely be used for engineering and ground work for constructing the base of the windmill.
“The funds will go toward one phase of the project — in the beginning,” said Zillman.
The University first announced plans to construct a windmill back in the spring, continuing in its efforts to ‘go green’ whenever possible.
“We’re happy to play a leadership role. Judging by those at the recent wind power conference – there were approximately 135 registered participants – we’re not alone in looking for ways to save money through the use of alternative energy sources,” said Zillman.
Zillman said the next challenge will be finding the best deal on a turbine.
“The challenge is now who wants to sell us a turbine. There’s a lot of demand (for turbines). There’s a lot of excitement and interest in the use of windmills now, with the cost of energy – fuel and electricity – going up daily. Everyone’s looking for a way to save money,” said Zillman. “We’re actively looking everywhere to find the best price and best equipment.”
It will take about a year and a half to complete the process, but when finished the windmill will generate power for classrooms, dorm rooms and offices on campus.
“Every stage is exciting because it’s new. Of all the projects the University has done, this has captured the most public attention. Chancellor Richard Patenaude is now talking with other campuses in the UMS to determine if wind power can be used at other campuses,” said Zillman. “One piece of his message is to let each campus do what fits best for them. We have some of the greenest campuses in the East.”
Zillman said it’s the UMS’ goal to have its university recognized as the greenest campus overall.
“That’s exactly where we’re going. All seven campuses have signed a Presidential Climate Commitment. Through leadership, carbon neutrality and control, we hope to make a lasting difference for the environment and those we serve,” said Zillman. “This is very Maine. Frugality and conservation are second nature here.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at around $2 million for the construction of a 400 kw to 700 kw wind turbine that will produce one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year.
“Once fully operational, the turbine will save an estimated 572 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere each year – the equivalent of removing 123 cars from the road,” said Adams. “It will serve as a demonstration project that can educate Maine communities on the value and cost-effectiveness of harnessing natural resources for clean electricity.”
The bottom line, according to Zillman, is having the support and resources to bring such a project to completion.
“The bottom line from the start is we’ve had university resources to support us in our efforts. And we’re always happy when we can find free money to advance our efforts. We’re going to go ahead and do this and hope to be an example for others,” said Zillman.
State officials continue to support efforts to use alternative energy sources, such as wind turbines.
“This is a wonderful thing for the campus. I’m pleased with the program and support such efforts to improve the campus and the community,” said Rep. Patricia Sutherland. “With rising energy costs, it’s great to see places like UMPI stepping into a leadership role by coming up with ways to save money and the environment.”
