SACO — As the Main Street wind turbine sits idle, in need of repairs, the city is mulling whether or not to sell the piece of equipment, which has had weaker performance than expected.
The wind turbine was installed in February 2008, at a total cost of about $200,000. A contract with Entegrity Wind Systems guaranteed the turbine would produce 90,000 kilowatt hours a year, or $12,600 worth of electricity, and maintenance would be free for the first five years.
Since the turbine’s installation, it has reportedly made 27,545 kilowatt hours, or about $3,900 worth of revenue.
In 2009, a Canadian bankruptcy court declared Entegrity Wind Systems bankrupt, and thus the city’s contract with the company was deemed invalid.
James Heath, the former CEO of Entegrity Wind Systems, stated in an e-mail to Wastewater Treatment Deputy Director and City Energy Committee member Howard Carter that he would be interested in purchasing the turbine for $135,000.
The turbine was recently inspected and it was determined that the shroud, which sits just below the head of the turbine, is in disrepair.
The piece was originally designed as a precautionary feature to address a pressure wave caused as the blades pass the tower, but it is not needed and could be removed without affecting the turbine’s performance, according to a recent report from Larkin Enterprises.
The report recommends the turbine not be operated until the issue is resolved.
At a City Council workshop Monday night, Carter indicated that this was part of the equipment’s “normal wear and tear.” He said if the city decides to keep the turbine, it needs to be on a regular maintenance schedule.
Carter said Heath indicated that he would remove the shroud for free, however, he said he would like to get this agreement in writing.
Councilor Marston Lovell said he read reports regarding injuries and deaths near older wind turbines when pieces of the equipment wear out and fall off, and he was concerned about having a wind turbine in a public place.
In response to Lovell’s concerns, Councilor Leslie Smith said that 44,000 people get killed in automobile accidents a year, and “life has its little hazards.”
Smith said like any other piece of capital equipment, the wind turbine must be maintained.
Councilor Leslie Smith said the wind turbine made a statement about the city.
“I think we’ve invested more than just the money,” he said.
Councilor Eric Cote said that he felt the data regarding the turbine’s production of energy was incorrect, and he believed the turbine has generated more than reported.
“Those numbers are wrong,” he said. “I have no confidence in those numbers.”
According to council commentary, Heath said he would like to develop blades that would be quieter and produce about 30,000 kilowatt hours a year.
Carter said Heath had originally said these blades would be available in 2010, but recently said they would not be available until 2011.
The city plans to invite Heath to discuss the turbine and its maintenance with the council.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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