Wind Turbine Installation at Euler Happening this Week

Installation of wind turbines near the ongoing Euler Science Complex construction site is the latest progress marker for the two-year effort. Workers assembled and hoisted the first of two turbines to its 120-foot perch today. When finished, the turbines will not only help power the new Euler Science Complex a year from now when it is finished, but will begin supplying power immediately to aid in the construction project.

Workers anticipate completion of the second turbine tomorrow and according to Dr. Mark Biermann, Dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences, the turbines will become operational almost immediately to generate and supply electrical power for the remainder of the construction project.

The work crew included Taylor junior Robert Dickey, (an Earth and Environmental Science major from Anderson, Ind.) who is performing a summer internship for ECI Wind and Solar of Fairmount, Ind., the company supplying the turbines for the Euler project.

A front page story in the local newspaper, the Marion Chronicle-Tribune, also was carried by the Associated Press, leading to coverage in neighboring Columbus and Indianapolis, along with Chicago and San Antonio, Texas. WANE Television from Fort Wayne, Ind., also visited the campus to cover the project.

University officials say the $41.4 million Euler Science Complex project will be ready for occupancy for the start of the Fall 2012 semester. In addition to wind power, the complex will utilize solar and geothermal energy.