Wednesday, April 27, 2011

GE Healthcare Waiting for Turbine Approval

GE Healthcare is awaiting for approval from the city of Waukesha. GE hopes to install 10 wind turbines up to 155 feet tall on the company's campus on county highway T north of I-94. If the project is approved it would be built next year or later said Annette Busteri, public relations manager. The installation of the turbines is part of GE's 2015 goal of reducing electrical usage by 15 percent and improving energy efficiency by 10 percent.

Jennifer Andrews a Waukesha city planner said, 'The company seems to have all their ducks lined up in a row," while referring to GE's letters indicating that state and federal agencies have no objections.

Concerns arose when GE originally proposed the installation of the turbines given their proximity to the runway's of Waukesha County's airport. These concerns were put aside after the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics provided a letter stating that all 10 of the proposed turbines would be in compliance with airspace height restrictions.

Currently there are no commercial wind turbines in Waukesha County and the project would be a first of its kind. The location of the project will be near highly traveled roads and give it great visibility to highlight GE's renewable energy commitment.