“This wind turbine partnership represents another way that the state of Delaware is leading by example as we accelerate toward a new energy future for our state and nation,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “These projects will tangibly demonstrate to visitors the crucial role that we each can play in protecting our environment and strengthening our economy by adopting renewable energy systems.”

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara said, “The Inland Bays are a treasure that must be protected. Harnessing clean, renewable energy sources will create new economic opportunities while showing residents and visitors that it is possible to reduce pollution that adversely affects air and water quality, as well as harms the health and welfare of local residents. This project will serve as an important symbol that clean power is critical to the state’s environmental and economic future,” he said at the event that drew dozens to the center.

Delaware State Parks Director Charles Salkin said, “Our role is to educate visitors about the importance of protecting and preserving Delaware’s natural resources. We want our visitors at Delaware Seashore State Park to get excited about wind energy. We also see this as a first step toward several larger projects that will enhance the environmental benefits and reduce the costs of our park operations.”

The Center for the Inland Bays and the Division of Parks and Recreation selected Flexera Energy to participate in the wind energy demonstration project.

Flexera completed installation of the Skystream 3.7 utility-connected, horizontal axis turbines several weeks ago.

The turbines each have a 12-foot rotor diameter and an average rated capacity of 2.4 kilowatts. Each is projected to generate about 5,600 kilowatt hours of power annually in average daily winds of 12 mph. This renewable energy production equals a projected offset of about 28,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Flexera Energy Vice President Ben Farr said, “Flexera is very excited to have had the opportunity to install these two wind turbines at the Indian River Inlet. These elegant machines will be supplying power to the Center for the Inland Bays and state park for many years to come.”

The turbines will also be an educational resource, demonstrating the viability of wind power as an environmentally friendly and economically competitive power source, Farr said.

“This is a great example of how government initiative, nonprofit research, the public good and private enterprise are all converging to create a new green economy in Delaware,” he said.

Ed Lewandowski, executive director of the center, said, “This project has been a terrific fit for our location in that wind is something that we deal with just about every day at Indian River Inlet; it’s great to see it finally put to some productive use. It’s also a wonderful complement to the 11.0-kilowatt solar energy system that we had installed at our headquarters facility. We hope to inspire other local businesses and homeowners to do whatever they can to reduce their carbon footprint.”

The center used a 2005 Bond Bill appropriation to cover the project costs. Since its opening three years ago, the center’s headquarters has served as a demonstration facility for environmentally friendly design and operation.