HOME > NEWS & PRESS > NEWS ITEM Palmer elementary first school in state to have a wind turbineShare Renewable Energy Alaska Project Congratulations to Sherrod elementary which today put up the state’s first wind turbine at a school. The turbine – a Skystream 3.7 installed by Susitna Energy Systems, Inc. – will provide power to the school, but will primarily be an educational tool for students. The 51-foot tall turbine could also be the first in Alaska to be part of a national program called “Wind For Schools.” There’s an ongoing effort by many groups, including REAP and the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, to add Alaska to the list of six states that are part of the program. Wind for Schools is run by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which is based in Colorado and is the federal government’s key research center for renewable energy. The project was a community effort with Matanuska Electric Association, Mat-Su Borough, Mat-Su Borough School District, Local Rotary 5010 and JD Steel all pitching in volunteer help. Principal Mark Hoffman estimated the total cost of the project at about $29,000 not including the many in-kind contributions. Alaska’s Wind for Schools program to launch FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fairbanks, Alaska—Wind for Schools, a nationwide program connecting schoolchildren to green energy will get its start in Alaska Friday, Nov. 6 at Sherrod Elementary School in Palmer. Installation of the program’s first wind turbine will begin at 9:15 a.m. The Alaska Center for Energy and Power at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is leading the Wind for Schools program in Alaska, along with partners Renewable Energy Alaska Project and the National Renewable Energy Lab. The program is part of the federal Department of Energy and matches elementary schools with universities. Schools host a small wind generator and implement a corresponding curriculum, while college students provide the technical knowledge and support. “This is an exciting opportunity for Palmer residents and students as well as for the university,” said ACEP director Gwen Holdmann. “The Wind for Schools program helps students develop a knowledge base and skill set in science and energy and supports workforce development and community involvement for students in elementary school through college.” Sherrod Elementary’s proactive approach and motivated staff made the school a natural choice to launch the program in Alaska. “This program will provide students with a way to explore basic ideas about energy in a hands-on environment,” said Mark Hoffman, principal of Sherrod Elementary. “We look forward to what the kids will take home and out into the world from this experience.” ACEP and its partners are planning to expand the program to 10 Alaska schools over the next year and are seeking funding through the state’s Renewable Energy Fund.
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