On Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, Grasso Tech Electrical and Bio-Environmental students were on hand for the commissioning of the new wind turbine to power the school’s greenhouse.  School administration, Mayor Dennis Popp, Groton Utilities staff, Brian Fentress of Groom Energy and Ryan Hanrahan of NBC30 were also in attendance. 

The turbine was erected around 1:30 pm and Mayor Popp, along with a student from each trade threw the switch.  After a long five minutes waiting for the safety delay to release the break, the wind turbine began spinning and producing power to rounds of applause from all those attending.  The turbine, installed by Groom Energy with the help of Grasso Tech students, has the potential of producing 1.9 kilowatts of electricity at peak performance.  Students in the Bio-Environmental Technology program will be monitoring wind data and electricity production.  Electrical students have installed a bi-directional meter on the greenhouse as well as a meter to monitor electricity production directly from the wind turbine.   Mayor Popp, who oversees Groton Public Utilities, declared Groton’s commitment to aid Grasso Tech in preparing students in the trades for “green” jobs in addition to their traditional trade work at his 2008 commencement address.  With his help, Groton Utilities donated the wind turbine, installation, education and material to Grasso Tech.  In addition to the working turbine, Grasso also received a full size cut-a-way model that will be on display in the Electrical Shop.

This is the first step forward in Grasso’s commitment to train green employees.  Grasso has already received a grant from Dominion and is awaiting the spring thaw to begin the installation of the 1kW solar array to supplement the electricity produced by the wind turbine.  In the beginning of February, Electrical Instructor, Jamie Lamitie and Bio-Environmental Department Head, Alex Pesarik will travel to Washington DC for the Good Jobs – Green Jobs National Conference.  On April 8th, 2009, The Bio-Environmental Seniors will be hosting the First Green Technology and Career Expo at Grasso Tech from 9am – 2pm.  The expo is open to other schools and the public.  If you are interested in attending or exhibiting, please contact Alex Pesarik by email: Alexander.pesarik@ct.gov.  Attendees can expect to meet with solar and wind installers, view hybrid and clean diesel vehicles.  The wind turbine and electrical installation will also be on display.  We hope to see you there.