DOE/NREL Wind for Schools Project Objectives
- To engage rural America in the concept that wind offers an alternative energy and economic future for rural America.
- To engage rural school teachers and students in energy education, specifically wind.
- To equip college juniors and seniors in wind energy applications and education to provide the growing U.S. wind industry with interested and equipped engineers.
For a more detailed project description please visit the DOE's website.
UPDATE from NREL (May, 2009)
Criteria for Application
- Good wind resource. A wind resource map created by NREL is a good visual reference for the wind resources within South Dakota. This map is also interactive so you can zoom in for more details. In addition to maps NREL will estimate the energy production from your wind (or solar) site with their "Im My Back Yard" applet. Wind Navigator from AWS Truewind and FirstLook from 3Tier are also excellent resources for estimating the wind potential of specific sites. The SDSU Wind Application Center will adjust this estimated wind speed to the appropriate height for each applicant.
- Suitable location for installation. We recommend a site 300 feet away from any structure 50 feet or taller. Also, the tower should be 30 feet taller than any structure within 300 feet.
- Support. Support from the community, local utility, school administration, teachers, and students is critical. For a more detailed project description please visit the DOE's website.
Utility Partners
- East River Electric Power Cooperative
- Black Hills Corporation
- Missouri River Energy Systems
- Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.
- North Western Energy
- Otter Tail Power Company
- West Central Co-op
- Xcel Energy
Industry Sponsors
- Iberdrola Renewables
- (pledged $10,000 to support the South Dakota Wind for Schools program)
- NextEra Energy Resources LLC
- (pledged $10,000 to support the South Dakota Wind for Schools program)
Data from other WFS Programs
- wac.sdwind.org/wfs/data
- http://wind-for-schools.caesenergy.org/
- Skyline Skystream Wind Turbine in Idaho
- W.I.N.D. Project Kansas
Application Form
Download Application Form [PDF]
At this time your application will be for our Wind for Schools Affiliate program which means we will support your project development to the best of our abilities but funds outside the applicant's contribution will not be guaranteed.