Wind turbine dedicated at Port of Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE -- The wind turbine that has become a landmark at the south end of Milwaukee's Hoan Bridge was dedicated Monday morning, May 14th.

The "Northern Power 100" wind turbine is operating alongside the Port of Milwaukee administration building. Officials say the 154-foot wind turbine is already producing more energy than initially projected. That translates into direct cost savings for the Port. In fact, the latest energy bill for the administration offices has the electric utility paying thousands of dollars back to the Port.

"I can tell you it works. Since this tower went on-line several weeks ago back in March, our lights have never flickered. We've never had a brownout and it's totally silent. My office is on the second floor and I've never heard the wind spinning these blades. It's really quite a marvel and we are proud to be part of this project," Port Director Eric Reinelt said.

At the dedication event, Milwaukee Office of Environmental Sustainability Director Matt Howard mentioned in less than three months of operation, the turbine has produced approximately 42,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy and kept more than 53,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

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