NBC Wind Turbine Project Receives Approval from FAA

NBC Wind Turbine Project Receives Approval from FAA

The Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to install three wind turbines with maximum heights of 360 feet each at the Field’s Point Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) located in the Port of Providence.

NBC estimates that three 1,650 kW wind turbines installed at heights of 360 feet will be capable of supplying between 55 to 60 % of the current electrical power demand of the Field’s Point WWTF. The electricity produced by these turbines will have a value (at current electricity rates) of more than $900,000/year and will offset approximately 3,000 tons/year of carbon dioxide that would have been released from fossil fuel generated electricity.

NBC began investigating the use wind energy in 2006 as part of an EPA grant funded project to identify alternative energy opportunities for wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF). This work resulted in NBC applying for and receiving an additional $25,000 in grant funds, this time from the State of Rhode Island’s Office of Energy Resources, to conduct a detailed Wind Energy Feasibility Study at the Field’s Point WWTF in 2007 and 2008. Using equipment borrowed from Roger Williams University, the study concluded that the site has sufficient wind resources to support a utility scale wind energy project.

“We were very fortunate to have the help and support of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation and our Congressional Delegation as we pursued this green energy project,” said Raymond Marshall, PE, NBC Executive Director. “Additionally, our neighbors in the Field’s Point area have shown great support for the use of wind energy at the treatment plant.”

NBC Chairman Vincent Mesolella added, “This wind energy project is good for the environment and will save money for our ratepayers. Currently electricity is one of our most significant expenses; this project will allow us to mitigate those expenses while we pursue our clean water mission.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's office was particularly helpful with the FAA application. The Commission plans to have the turbines in place by October 2011.