Greener Energy: The Case for Wind Power at SJU and CSB

Conclusion

Wind power is already generating much enthusiasm in class rooms at CSB and SJU as well as in the Central Minnesota region and all that remains to is see if it can also generate electricity on both campuses. Is wind generated electricity economically feasible at SJU and CSB? According to industry experts with whom we have talked, there are turbines we can buy tomorrow that are economically sensible with a class two wind resource. We are also told that if the schools do not wish to invest directly, investors stand ready to build the turbines and sell the electricity to CSB and SJU for a contracted, fixed amount per kWh.

If the decision were strictly a comparison of today's electricity costs between NSP and wind power, then wind power appears to be more expensive...but not by much! The final decision rests on the belief that wind markets and companies are here to stay, on whether the wind speed data are recognized as being representative over time, that other fuel prices as well as electricity prices will increase over time, and that our institutions ought to use cleaner electricity and teach others that renewable energy sources are vital to a more sustainable future. We have seen much evidence to believe these things to be true and we hope the 1500 year old Benedictine tradition of respect for the land will influence CSB and SJU to opt for wind power.

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