Sen. Burris Announces Recovery Act Funding for Wind Energy Development

Funds to be Used for Research Relating to Wind Energy Advancement

October 15, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Senator Roland W. Burris today announced that American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Department of Energy have been allocated to the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago to fund research in the use of wind energy.

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The funds will be directed as follows:

· $8 million for the Illinois Institute of Technology: The Institute will install a test turbine, a GE 1.5 MW turbine, at a current wind project owned by a consortium partner at Marseilles, IL. The university consortium’s research and development plan includes advanced concepts for rotor control and drive train control, robust sensors for blades, and improved aero elastic models to improve wind turbine performance and reliability. The close proximity of the University’s turbine to an existing wind farm provides the opportunity to study turbine-to-turbine wake interaction, wind farm interaction, and wind energy efficiencies. The Institute will develop and offer wind energy courses addressing the technical, operational, social, and environmental aspects of wind energy in consultation with the industry. Fellowships will be offered annually to masters and undergraduate students in wind energy engineering fields of study.

Senator Burris and the Democratic-led Congress passed the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act that was signed into law by President Obama in February.

“I am pleased that vital Recovery Act funds are being directed to the Illinois Institute of Technology for these important projects.” said Senator Burris. “These funds will ensure that the United States leads the way in wind power technology, and will spark the creation of much needed jobs”

Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced new investments in three university led wind energy facilities that will enhance the United States’ leadership role in testing and producing the most advanced and efficient wind turbines in the world. The three selected universities are: Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Maine, and University of Minnesota.

Department of Energy’s Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program

www.windandhydro.energy.gov

Source: Senator Roland W. Burris