Governor Edward Rendell recently reactivated PEDA, which awarded US$193,000 to Southwest Windpower to place 15 turbines in highly visible locations at schools, local government buildings and other public facilities.
Each turbine will generate enough electricity to power a single home, but the objective is to prompt people to think about adopting renewable energies in their homes and businesses. The successful applicants will receive a 1.8 kW turbine and installation at no charge. Turbines will be mounted on 35-foot towers and each unit is valued at US$10,000. The selected sites are spread across the state in diverse demographic areas. Each grant application was required to include plans for educational outreach. Recipients include the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies in Erie, where students will craft educational activities, and rural Troy Township in Bradford County where the turbine at the municipal building will be one of the first alternative energy projects in the area.