Energy Grant for Barre Wind Turbine Maker PDF Print E-mail
Monday, 13 September 2010 11:32

The U.S. Department of Energy awarded $620,000 to Northern Power Systems of Barre, Vt., to help boost the speed and scale of midsize wind turbine technology, Vermont's congressional delegation announced today.

Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said the grant will accelerate the development of wind turbines manufactured in the United States.

The delegation had urged U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu to support the proposal that they said is projected to create additional jobs at Northern Power and its suppliers and "has the potential to meet a critical need in America's growing green economy."

"Northern Power Systems greatly appreciates the support of our congressional delegation," said Jim Stover, vice president of product management and engineering for the Barre-based company. "Selection by DOE validates our world-class technology position in permanent magnet direct drive turbine development."

A planned 450-kilowatt turbine is expected to reduce the cost of energy generated for schools, farms, factories, and other facilities. The turbines are small enough to install on site, reducing the need for new transmission wires.

The grant to the Vermont company was announced as part of $5 million awarded nationwide to support wind energy development.

"Wind power holds enormous potential to help reach our nation's clean energy goals," said Secretary Chu said. "Today's awards will help better integrate wind energy into the electrical grid and will support the development of midsize wind turbines that can be used to provide renewable electricity in communities across the country."

Each of the grant recipients will be eligible to apply for a second phase with up to $4 million in additional funding available.



 
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