Article
Energy projects win Pennsylvania grants - Wind farm, Que receive $769,000
The Tribune-Democrat|Kecia Bal|January 11, 2006
Two Somerset County green energy projects got a push Wednesday with a chunk of the state’s $8.6 million funding for clean energy.
Two Somerset County green energy projects got a push Wednesday with a chunk of the state’s $8.6 million funding for clean energy.
Officials announced $500,000 for the proposed Casselman Windpower Project near Rockwood, where PPM Energy LLC is to build a wind farm to generate 34.5 megawatts, or enough electricity to power nearly 3,500 homes.
The Cambria Somerset Authority’s proposed hydro-turbine, which would generate electricity from the Quemahoning Dam, received a $269,000 grant.
The turbine would use up to 150 cubic feet of water per second. It also would earn the cash-strapped authority an extra $80,000 annually.
The turbine would create 847 kilowatts per hour, enough to power 90 homes.
About one-third of the proposed wind turbines are to be built on reclaimed surface-mining areas. Project engineer Jon Wahl with Somerset Planning & Engineering said he could …
Officials announced $500,000 for the proposed Casselman Windpower Project near Rockwood, where PPM Energy LLC is to build a wind farm to generate 34.5 megawatts, or enough electricity to power nearly 3,500 homes.
The Cambria Somerset Authority’s proposed hydro-turbine, which would generate electricity from the Quemahoning Dam, received a $269,000 grant.
The turbine would use up to 150 cubic feet of water per second. It also would earn the cash-strapped authority an extra $80,000 annually.
The turbine would create 847 kilowatts per hour, enough to power 90 homes.
About one-third of the proposed wind turbines are to be built on reclaimed surface-mining areas. Project engineer Jon Wahl with Somerset Planning & Engineering said he could not discuss specifics about the project.
“Basically, it’s a wind-power project in Somerset County that could see construction in the very near future,” he said. “It’s kind of a win-win situation to use land that is unusable for other purposes.”
Construction costs increase with use of reclaimed mine sites, he said.
A company spokeswoman said she could not discuss upcoming projects that have not been officially announced.
“Anytime a new project leaks into the press, it could affect stocks,” she said.
The company’s nearest windmills are in New York.
Juno, Fla.-based FPL Energy LLC owns all 87 windmills in Pennsylvania, including 34 erected so far in Somerset County.
Grant money for the Cambria Somerset Authority will be used for final designs and installation modifications for its $1.3 million hydro-turbine to be built onto an existing blowoff house near the reservoir.
“The next step is a low-interest loan,” said Dave Mankamyer, the authority’s renewable energy chairman.
The idea for a smaller-scale turbine lost momentum last year after attempts at funding failed, but a market analysis study showed that – even without grants – this turbine would be viable.
Mankamyer said nearby powdered-metals manufacturer North American Hoganas could use all the energy the turbine would produce.
“This time, it looks like the turbine project will work,” Mankamyer said.
Other money announced Wednesday went to two projects in Westmoreland County:
• Solar Power Industries Inc. received $500,000 to expand silicon production for solar cells used in photovoltaic systems, leading to the creation of 52 permanent jobs.
• Elliott Co. was awarded $458,000 to accelerate the commercialization of its high-efficiency permanent magnet drive motor. This motor is a substitute for large, lower-efficiency combustion turbines.