Remote Power in Isolated Electric Systems
Additional installations of earlier-generation wind turbines occurred at Cuttyhunk Island, MA (a 200-kW WTG turbine operated as part of a wind-diesel installation), and Block Island, RI, which hosted one of the first four 200-kW MOD-OA units developed under the Department of Energy's large wind research program.
Small Wind Turbine Manufacturing
Vermont was a hotbed for early small-machine manufacturers. North Wind (now Northern Power Systems) and Enertech won two of the first contracts awarded by the Department of Energy wind research program for small-machine design. NPS still survives as a successful business today, while Enertech was succeeded by Atlantic Orient, which in turn has taken on new life in Canada as Entegrity. (Other companies, such as Astral Wilcon and Pinson Energy in Massachusetts, are no longer in business.)
On to the Future
This brief history highlights the important role that the New England region has played in fostering the birth of what today is the fastest-growing energy source in the nation and the world. While the past efforts constituted the research, development and demonstration phases of the wind power industry, today's development efforts represent implementation of a fully commercial, proven technology, as well as demonstration of wind generation for the first time in the United States in the off-shore frontier.
Additional history of interest is contained in "Windmills of New England: Their Genius, Madness, History, & Future," by Daniel Lombardo. On Cape Publications. ISBN 0-9719547-7-1.
History content contributors include Harley Lee of Endless Energy, James Manwell of the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Resource Laboratory, and Tom Gray of American Wind Energy Association. Edited by Bob Grace, Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC.
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