Case Study: Burke Mountain Wind Turbine, East Burke, Vermont

March 11, 2013

Located in East Burke, Vermont, the Burke Mountain ski area operates on 270 acres of mountain terrain and is home to the Burke Mountain Academy, renowned for developing world-class skiers. As part of the ski area's environmental sustainability efforts, the resort's owners installed a 100-kilowatt Northwind 100 wind turbine that came online in October 2011. Other sustainability efforts include utilizing local ingredients in the resort's kitchens, developing a community composting program, and encouraging visitors to recycle whenever possible. Wind Powering America verified the following wind turbine project facts with Hannah Collins from the Burke Mountain resort.

• Based on the turbine's first year of production, it is expected to generate ˜200,000 kilowatt-hours annually. The turbine has an average output of just under 700 kilowatt-hours per day and generates ˜15% of the mountain's electricity use.
• The overall project cost was $973,157.
• Project funding was partially provided by a $500,000 grant from the Vermont Economic Development Authority. The project also received a federal American Recovery & Reinvestment Act loan for $500,000.
• It was the first turbine to be constructed on Vermont State Forest Parks and Recreation land.