Renewable energy credits generated by the University of Delaware’s wind turbine in Lewes will be purchased by the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC) through a new three-year agreement.
The proceeds will support a wind energy graduate student research fellowship in the University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE). Under state law, utility companies must use some renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power — or purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) from entities that generate such electricity.
UD in collaboration with Gamesa Technology Corporation installed a two-megawatt wind turbine in 2010 adjacent to the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. The turbine powers laboratories and facilities on the campus, while also serving as a wind energy research and education tool. Any surplus electricity is sold to the Lewes Board of Public Works. DEMEC, a wholesale electric utility that represents all major towns in Delaware except Wilmington, agreed to buy all of the RECs associated with the wind turbine beginning in June 2013. Since the turbine was constructed before 2013 during an incentive period, the utility receives an additional half-credit per REC.
The revenue will fund the newly established UD-DEMEC Graduate Fellowship for Wind Energy Research. CEOE will seek out prospective graduate students in the field of wind energy to apply for admission to its graduate programs who also will be eligible to apply for the research fellowship.
(From the University of Delaware)
