Wind Energy in the Berkshires

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By Justine Judge

Story Published: Aug 12, 2009 at 7:26 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 12, 2009 at 7:26 PM EDT

Governor Patrick saw the power of the wind in Western Massachusetts. He stopped in Berkshire County to see how a recently built wind turbine is helping business while creating renewable energy.

The blades of a giant wind turbine spin in the wind. The turbine sits on the property of the Williams Stone Company in East Otis.

The company has been around for over 60 years and is one of the major granite suppliers in New England.

The facility hasn't always been powered by the turbine. It was just completed in May.

Company President Ed Mahoney says, "We often joked that this would be a great place for a wind turbine, it's windy all the time. Today it isn't but most often it's windy so we did the research and besides the cost saving it's the right thing to do."

The 600 kilowatt turbine cost 1.7 million dollars, but its earning it's keep by the day.

Governor Deval Patrick says, "This project will pay for itself in 6 or 7 years and that's another feature of why this is such a terrific project."

There are similar facilities in windy locations across the nation and this isn't the only one in Massachusetts.

A wind turbine also sits on top of Jiminy Peak in Hancock. Also, the owners of Berkshire East Ski area in Charlemont have plans in the works to put one up.

Governor Patrick says, "It's a wonderful example of the application of alternative and renewable energy to manufacturing solutions here in the Commonwealth because we don't have oil and gas and coal the cost of energy is high."

Currently the turbine is currently generating enough electricity to power their entire manufacturing complex, while at the same time significantly reducing their carbon footprint

Mahoney says, "I'd like to think we're a model. Again, I'll tell anyone. I think anyone who has wind sufficient power should have a turbine."

Governor Patrick says while not every location is ideal for a wind turbine it's something he hopes more companies like Williams Stone will start looking into.

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