The Renewable Energy Initiative of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC is holding its official ribbon-cutting event on Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. for the 100KW wind turbine successfully installed at the university-owned Broyhill Inn & Conference Center. The project, installed by Alteris Renewables, was completed this past summer. The turbine is currently the largest wind development in the state of North Carolina.
The Renewable Energy Initiative committee consists of 7 student members that vote on committee decisions and 5 faculty/staff advisors that assist in the implementation of renewable energy systems on campus. The REI is charged with funds generated by a student green fee that is used towards bringing renewable energy technology to Appalachian State University.
Some of the other projects orchestrated by the group are a biodiesel filling station for the university bus system, several photovoltaic arrays, and multiple solar thermal systems. In addition to administering the use of these funds, the REI is intent on promoting awareness of the benefits of renewable energy and the importance of reducing our carbon footprints.
The turbine is unique from other REI projects not only because it is their first incorporation of wind energy, but also because the committee partnered with the local utility, New River Light & Power, to finance the project. The Senior Class of 2009 also made a contribution to the turbine. Alteris Renewables, recently ranked as the fastest growing renewable energy company in the Northeast, installed the Northwind 100KW wind turbine.