Background:
Mount Wachusett Community College has a long history of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives:
- Solar: The college has a 100 kW PV array in operation
- Biomass: The college has a wood biomass heating system and a biomass gasification cogeneration system
- The college has undergone numerous energy efficiency upgrades
Wind Energy Project
To continue and expand upon its other initiatives, MWCC is developing a behind the meter wind project utilizing two utility scale wind turbines. Much progress has been made on this project:
- A 50 meter meteorological tower was installed and comprehensive wind data has been collected and analyzed.
- With support from the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management, a consulting team was hired to perform a feasibility study: Several different turbines and ownership/financing options were studied. Detailed financial pro-formas were completed using several financing scenarios. The consulting team completed feasibility study concluding that was a one or two turbine project is feasible.
- A US DOE grant was approved for the development of the project.
- The study team was expanded to carry out the project permitting. Studies were undertaken including: avian studies, bat studies, visual simulation study, sound impact study, shadow flicker impact study and EMI impact study. Since US Department of Energy funds are being used for the project, permitting requirements included assessments under the National Environmental Permitting Act. This process, being coordinated in conjunction with US DOE is nearing completion and all necessary permits are expected by early summer.
- FAA Determination of No Hazard has been received
- Most necessary state and local level approvals have been received
The college has also incorporated renewable energy into its curriculum. More information on these initiatives is available at: http://www.mwcc.edu/renewable/renew.html
It is expected that a Request for Proposals will be issued for the project construction in July 2009 with site work expected to commence in late summer or early Fall 2009 and turbine installation late in 2009 or as soon thereafter as delivery can be arranged.
Request for Proposals Released
The Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset management has released a request for proposals for vendors to provide wind turbines and design build services for the installation of two wind turbines at Mount Wachusett Community College. The full RFP is available here. For project updates check here: www.comm-pass.com and go to:
-Solicitations
-Browse All Solicitations
-Browse by Category / Subcategory
-Select a category (choose “energy”)
-Subcategory name (energy – renewable)
--Choose MWC0801ES1
Project schedule:
RFP Issued: August 28, 2009
Pre-Proposal Conference: September 11, 2009 1:30 PM
Written Questions Due from Interested Companies: September 23, 2009 5PM
Target Responses to Questions Due: October 2, 2009
Deadline for Addenda to RFP: October 8, 2009 2PM
Proposals Due: October 9, 2009 2PM
Target Questions to Selected Proposers: October 23, 2009
Target Responses Due from Proposers: October 30, 2009
Target Interview Date: November 2, 2009
Target Project Award: November 23, 2009
Many of the project reports are below:
- Wind Turbine Feasibility Study (PDF)
- Proposed Wind Turbine Site Plan (PDF)
- Wind Turbine Photo Visualizations (PDF)
- Phase I Avian Risk Assessment (PDF)
- Phase I Bat Risk Assessment (PDF)
- Pre-Construction Acoustic Monitoring Report (PDF)
- Radiofrequency Impact of MWCC Wind Turbines (PDF)
- Turbine Sound Analysis (PDF)
- Shadow Flicker Analysis (PDF)
- Final Wind Turbine Visualizations (PDF)
- Geotechnical Engineering Report (PDF)
- DOE - NEPA Draft Environmental Assessment (PDF)
