Lorain asks to borrow Oberlin’s wind gear
The city of Lorain wants to borrow some of Oberlin’s wind power equipment to help it generate knowledge and interest in a renewable future.
Lorain Councilman Dennis Flores, D-2nd Ward, sent Oberlin City Council a letter on Lorain City Council’s behalf last month requesting the use of Oberlin’s 160-foot-tall wind monitor and data collection equipment, which currently is in storage.
“Oberlin city and Oberlin College have placed themselves in the front ranks of those communities and institutions which strive to create an environmentally sustainable economy,” Flores wrote. “We hope you will participate with us examining Lorain County’s wind power potential.”
Oberlin erected its wind tower in the New Russia Township Nature Preserve in 2006 after receiving a $12,000 sustainable recovery grant set up by the city and its Municipal Light and Power System.
The tower contains wind-measuring anemometers and directional gauges at three different heights to gauge wind data.
During the yearlong study, it was determined the New Russia site didn’t have ample winds, but Oberlin City Council President David Sonner said the city realizes the odds and importance of finding a sufficient wind energy source nearby.
“Oberlin is very interested in securing different sorts of alternative energy, and we want to be good neighbors with willing participants in such efforts,” he said. “If we can help others in this quest for clean energy, we want to do that.”
Sonner said Lorain’s requests were well received, but Oberlin first has to determine whether it would like to use the equipment to test another site within its own limits before passing it on.
He also added that he’s offered to include the city of Vermilion in discussions about wind power to help expand the effort throughout the county.
Vermilion Mayor Jean Anderson said she’s on board.
“It’s definitely time we get serious and stop looking at (wind energy) as a vision,” she said. “We need to set some goals, plan and strategize to make it happen in the county — we have a prime location.”
By Stephen Szucs
5 September 2008
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Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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