Bergey Windpower News

Michigan High School Dedicates New 10 kW Bergey Wind Turbine

December 18, 2003

By ZAC ANDERSON
Staff writer  
(reprinted by permission of the Holland Sentinel)

He had the tower and the expertise, so when Holland resident Craig Brumels heard that Zeeland Public School officials were looking to build a wind turbine to generate power at their new high school, he decided to help make the project a reality.

Brumels is one of more than two dozen individuals who were honored Tuesday during a special ceremony at Zeeland West High School for donating time, know how or money to the wind turbine project.

The Zeeland Board of Public Works donated $20,000 to help the school erect the turbine while Zeeland-based Town and Country Electric offered to set up the system. GMB architects and engineers provided their services as did T.C. One Controls and Services but Brumels' donation was the largest -- at least in shear size.

  BLOWIN' IN THE WIND: 
The new turbine at Zeeland 
West High School.
  Sentinel/J.R. Valderas

The former college instructor, Brumels taught courses on wind and solar energy at the now defunct Jordan Energy Institute, donated the 85-foot tower on which the turbine's three blades are mounted.

"I was happy to help," Brumels said. "I believe wind energy is good for West Michigan in general."

The turbine saves the district $1,200 off its monthly electric bill and provides a great learning experience for students, said Zeeland Superintendent Gary Feenstra.

Feenstra thanked all the parties who contributed to the project.

"That's what Zeeland's all about," he said. "People coming together to make something happen."

Also on hand for the dedication was U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, who called the project a great example of collaboration in West Michigan.

   Steve Wilke, Customer Service, Bergey WindPower Co.

   T:  405-364-4212    F: 405-364-2078    E-mail:  swilke@bergey.com