Wind Power to the People

The first wind generator in downtown Reno, dubbed the Urban Turbine, recently began generating electricity at the Cathexes building on Bell Street. At a dedication ceremony attended by representatives of companies occupying the Cathexes building, city officials, and citizens interested in renewable energy, Reno City Councilman Dave Aiazzi threw the switch to officially start power generation from the turbine. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough wind to actually turn the turbine, but that is rarely an issue in breezy Reno. According to a representative of Bombard Renewable Energy, installers of the turbine, the unit will produce power in very low winds. It was built by Southwest Windpower of Flagstaff, AZ, and will generate up to 2.4 kilowatts of electricity.

The Urban Turbine is the first wind generator in downtown Reno to qualify for NV Energy's WindGenerations program. The incentive earns small businesses $2.50 per kilowatt generated from such installations. Other installations qualifying for incentives include residences, agriculture, schools, and public buildings.

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