Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Broyhill Wind Turbine and Fall Forum

The ASU Renewable Energy Initiative (REI), in conjunction with New River Light & Power and Alteris Renewables, are planning a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the successful installation of the Broyhill Wind Turbine, which is North Carolina's Largest Wind Turbine to date. The ribbon cutting event will be located at the Broyhill Conference Center on November 12th at 3:00pm. The Appal-Cart will be providing a direct shuttle from the Raley traffic circle to the Broyhill.

During the ceremony a brief presentation will be made on behalf of the REI about the Wind Turbine and the significance of the project for Western North Carolina. Representatives from Appalachian State and the Town of Boone will also be giving a short speech about what the Broyhill Wind Turbine means to Appalachian and the surrounding community. The actual ribbon cutting will take place at 3:30 followed by an opportunity for discussion.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, the REI will also be hosting our annual Fall Forum in the PSU Student Union Solarium at 5:00pm. This will be a chance to learn more about REI projects and how to get involved. At the forum we will also be showing The Lorax, and serving free pizza.

Exciting news everyone...The wind turbine is up!!

So we have finally come to the end of our next project...and what a great and powerful (pun intended) one it is!

The Broyhill wind turbine is up and spinning, producing clean energy for Appalachian State University. This marks the end of a long process the REI endured to make this project a huge success, and the beginning of the end of our dependence on fossil fuels.

The approximate cost of this project was around $530,000. The funding was provided solely by ASU students, New River Light & Power, and the 2009 Senior Class. A special 'Thanks' goes out to the ASU students for taxing themselves, NRL&P, and the 2009 senior class for this gift!

Please stay tuned to REI's website for information regarding the ribbon cutting ceremony towards the end of September! You won't want to miss the big event!!

To this end, the REI wishes to deeply and sincerely thank several people and companies for their hard work in making this happen. Everyone's cooperation and participation made this project happen! A special "Thank You!" goes out to:

ASU students for their support
Patrick Beville, ASUREI advisor
Jonathan Pierson, ASUREI alumni
Joe Smith, ASUREI alumni
Ged Moody, ASUREI alumni
the 08/09 ASUREI committee
Doug Uzelac, Broyhill Inn & Conf Center Manager
ASU Administration
ASU Electrical Department
Philip Hiatt, New River L&P
Nils Behn, Alteris Renewables
Rob Jenen, Alteris Renewables
Thor Thomforde, Alteris Renewables
Phil Smith, Alteris Renewables
Tim Inman, General Contract management
Boone Crane

THANK YOU!!

What is the REI?

The ASU Renewable Energy Initiative was began in February 2004. Ernie Hodgson and a group of motivated students began the arduous process of creating a student-led committee to spend student fees on renewable energy projects on campus. These renewable energy projects are meant to help offset the university's dependence on fossil fuels and serve as outreach and education to students about the benefits of renewable energy.

In March of 2004, a referendum was presented to the student body. The students boldly agreed to tax themselves. The increase was approved by 82%. Each semester, every student at ASU pays $5 towards the implementation of renewable energy.

The REI is charged with bringing renewable energy projects to the campus of Appalachian State. In an attempt to reduce the university's dependence on fossil fuels, the REI strives to educate the public on the benefits of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

Interested in donating to the REI fund?

If you are an alumni of Appalachian State University, you can donate to the REI fund!

We are extremely grateful to the students of Appalachian State for deciding to take action and contribute $5 each semester in order to bring renewable energy projects to our campus.

With the momentum of the REI continually growing, your contribution can assist the university in educating our students on the benefits of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy production.

While the REI is charged with bringing renewable energy projects to the campus of ASU, our goal is to advocate for a sustainable approach to global climate change and energy independence. Your contribution will help our committee not only bring more renewable energy systems to the campus but will also help to educate students about the importance of energy conservation, our greatest and most effective renewable energy.

Please follow the link through ASU's Alumni Donating Center to donate to our fund:

Donate to the REI

The Foundation fund number is 992894 and the fund title is Renewable Energy Initiative (REI).

Thanks for your continued support!