Harvard University announced that more than 10% of the electricity consumed on its Cambridge and Allston campuses soon will be supplied from a wind farm in northern Maine.
Last year, Harvard University’s Cambridge and Allston campuses used more than 247,000,000 kWh of electricity.
“Universities play an essential role in confronting the global challenges presented by climate change and sustainability,” Harvard University President Drew Faust said. “The research being undertaken at Harvard will have worldwide influence, but the Harvard community is also committed to searching for ways to reduce its environmental impact through changes in individual and institutional behavior, like purchasing wind power and other renewable energy, and the use of innovative technologies.”
“The 15-year agreement enables the development of this clean energy resource and the subsequent lowering of the greenhouse gas intensity of the New England electric grid,” Harvard University’s Manager of Energy Supply & Utility Administration Mary Smith said.
Electricity from Stetson Wind II will be generated by 17 General Electric, 1.5 MW turbines. This project follows Stetson Wind I, a 38-turbine, 57 MW-facility that went online in January 2009.
“We are pleased to support Harvard’s effort to minimize their environmental impact by purchasing clean, renewable energy,” First Wind’s Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer Kurt Adams said. “This is a great example of how organizations can exhibit environmental stewardship.”
