USA - Jonesborough installs anemometer to investigate wind energy potential

A group of wind energy advocates invited the media out to see a new 30-meter tall anemometer at the Jonesborough Waste Water Treatment facility. The Tennessee Wind Working Group was erecting the anemometer to test the wind potential for the city of Jonesborough, Tenn. This first step toward producing electricity via renewable energy sources continued the town of Jonesborough’s leadership as a pioneer in clean energy technology. The tower raising and press event was part of the first Tri-Star Renewable Energy Expo. “Jonesborough not only supports clean, renewable energy sources in many ways, but now we take step one toward actually producing this clean energy ourselves. The anemometer will tell us how strong and persistent the winds blows around our wastewater treatment site, and how much electricity it will generate for us when we put the blades of a small turbine in its path, as we hope soon to do said Tobie Bledsoe, Mayor of Jonesborough

Representatives from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tri-Star Expo and the Town of Jonesborough will be making comments on the importance of embracing new clean energy technologies and will be explaining the technology of the new NRG-NOW System 30 Meter-Wind Explorer Anemometer. “The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is very excited to be helping the historic town of Jonesborough become, not just the first town in Tennessee, but also the first town in the state to fully embrace clean energy technology that will help to solve our rising global warming crisis. Jonesborough’s commitment to clean energy shows that it is a town that not only embraces its rich past, but is looking toward the future as well” said Gil Melear-Hough, Tennessee Director of Renewable Programs

The Tennessee Wind Working Group includes members from state and local governments, the business community, and nonprofit sector working together to promote wind energy. The group is organized with the assistance of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and the anemometer was purchased though a Department of Energy grant working through the State of Tennessee Energy Office.