Massachusetts Gets $25M for Large-Scale Wind Technology Testing Facility

Construction is expected to start in September on a new wind technology testing center in Charlestown, Mass. The center will test commercial-sized wind turbine blades to help reduce cost, improve technical advancements and speed deployment of the next generation of wind turbine blades into the marketplace, according to the May 13 announcement by Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.

Once completed, the center will become the first in the nation that can test blades longer than 50 meters. Currently such facilities exist in Europe, but their absence in the U.S. puts American manufacturers at a disadvantage, according to the DOE.

 “As the world moves toward a significant expansion in wind power, the test blade facility will help make sure that the best, most efficient wind turbines are built right here in America,” Chu noted. “Not only will it create jobs and help us achieve energy independence, it will mean cleaner air, cleaner water and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.”

Target completion date for the center is the end of 2010.

Read the DOE announcement.