Global warming, carbon footprint, and renewable energy; these days, everybody is concerned about how we live and how it affects our environment. At Nolin RECC, we also are concerned about our environment. Whether it’s generating power from Pearl Hollow landfill, a windmill project at our Fort Knox office or buying energy through EnviroWatts, Nolin is committed to the use of renewable energy where it is feasible.
Renewable energy is important to all of us and especially to Nolin. Although, no single renewable energy source can solve this issue, a combination of the different renewable energy sources combined with our coal base load can deliver energy that is there when you need it while protecting our environment.
Landfill Gas
Many of you may not know that Hardin County’s very own Pearl Hollow landfill uses the methane gas produced from decaying garbage to power three generators at the landfill. These three units combined can generate up to 2.4 megawatts of electricity. That is enough energy to supply about 1,440 homes with clean renewable energy. A fourth unit will be added as the supply of methane increases over the next few years. Power from the plant is sold through our EnviroWatts program. To find out more about EnviroWatts click here.
Wind Power
Nolin RECC is joining the nation’s quest to seek alternative energy sources. We just implemented the first known Kentucky wind turbine energy project at Nolin’s office located at the Fort Knox military base. The wind turbine project is strictly being used as a research effort at this time and we will not be endorsing its installation until collected data can be documented and analyzed. The wind turbine is part of the Fort Knox Energy program to help the military base achieve its goal of implementing renewable energy and reducing consumption 35 percent by 2010.
Before the installation could even begin, zoning laws had to be checked out thoroughly and appropriate application papers had to be filed. The cost of a small turbine can run between $6,000 to $22,000, depending upon size, application and service agreements with the manufacturer.
Nolin has also been working with Wind Energy of Kentucky to obtain a Department of Defense grant to install another wind turbine at the military base on Snow Mountain (near US 60). Although no monetary investment in the Fort Knox Wind Project has been made by Nolin, we will track the wind energy results through a special metering system connected to the turbine. In addition, the co-op has accepted the task of installation, maintenance and collection of research data that will be provided to the United States government for further action.
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