20 Wind Turbines at Logan

The Massachusetts Port Authority recently partnered with AeroVironment of Monrovia, Calif. and Groom Energy Solutions of Salem, Mass. to install 20, building-integrated wind turbines on the roof of the Logan Office Center at Logan Airport in Boston.

The turbines are currently providing an output of approximately 75,000 to 100,000 kwh annually, or about 2 percent of the buildings monthly energy use. The average monthly demand for electricity at the Logan Office Center is 407kw with an average monthly energy usage of 291,000 kwh.

In dollars, that translates to about $10,000 to $13,000 per year in savings.

The 1000-watt wind turbine system provides clean, reliable, non-polluting electric power. Each module fastens to the parapet of a building, weighs approximately 90 pounds and measures approximately six feet in height and eight feet in width. This urban turbine is a unique design, intended to continue to produce electricity under turbulent wind conditions and in both low and high wind speed environments. 

“We had a great site in an unobstructed building that was the right design for this type of installation and mounting project,” said Massport Project manager, Terry Civic. “We had an unobstructed view of the harbor so we had a great wind resource from the west and from the north.”

If this project meets the goal of reducing building energy, Massport will consider expanding the turbine installations to other Massport facilities. Along with wind turbines, Massport is evaluating other proven renewable energy technologies at its facilities including, solar power, geothermal technology, and fuel cell applications.

“We’re very excited to introduce clean energy generating technology at Boston Logan,” said Massport CEO and Executive Director Thomas J. Kinton, Jr. “Massport is actively evaluating renewable energy options with the goal of meeting the Governor’s “Lead by Example” executive order that seeks procurement of 15% of all energy from renewable resources and setting aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals.”