State Capitol gets wind turbines
BY BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
1/06/10 at 4:48 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY — The installation of two wind turbines began Tuesday at the state Capitol complex.
One is on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion. The other is near a Department of Human Services building.
"Oklahoma's winds are abundant and provide us the opportunity to reduce our energy footprint for generations to come," said John Richard, director of the Department of Central Services.
Bergey WindPower of Norman is installing the turbines.
"We did it because we have had a healthy relationship with Oklahoma," said Karl Bergey, the company's chairman and CEO.
"We have been in business 31 years. We are great enthusiasts for Oklahoma."
Each turbine will spin on top of a 120-foot-tall tower, officials said. The turbines will generate between 12,000 and 14,000 kilowatt hours each year, Bergey said.
Richard Kitchen, energy manager for the Department of Central Services, said, "In layman's terms, (each turbine) would operate a 2,000-square-foot house."
The cost of each turbine is about $90,000, he said.
Gov. Brad Henry said the state should expand its use of alternative energy.
"The wind turbine will pay dividends for many years to come in terms of cost savings and environmental efficiencies," Henry said.
"Oklahoma can and should expand its use of alternative energies, whether it is wind power, natural gas, solar or biofuels, and hopefully, this project will encourage others to do just that."
The Department of Central Services has made a commitment to sustainability, Kitchen said. The plan involves recycling, renewable energy and other components, he said.
"It isn't just for show," Kitchen said. "We are actually making a difference."
Barbara Hoberock (405) 528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Pieter Huebner, an employee with Bergey WindPower of Norman, releases a guy wire while making final adjustments Tuesday on a wind turbine that will provide part of the energy needs of the Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma City. PAUL HELLSTERN/ The Oklahoman
Each turbine will spin atop a 120-foot-tall tower. The turbines will generate between 12,000 and 14,000 kilowatt hours each year, said Karl Bergey, chairman and CEO of
Bergey WindPower. PAUL HELLSTERN/ The Oklahoman
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