Boston Logan International Airport to receive 20 building-integrated wind turbines

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) recently announced the installation of 20 building-integrated wind turbines at Boston Logan International Airport. Massport has partnered with AeroVironment of Monrovia, Calif., and Groom Energy Solutions of Salem, Mass., to install the 6-foot-diameter wind turbines on the roof of the Logan Office Center. The demonstration project is expected to provide electrical output of approximately 100,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, or about 2 percent of the building’s monthly energy use.

Massport expects the wind turbines to be functioning and generating renewable energy in the spring. If the demonstration project meets its goal of reducing building energy, Massport will consider expanding the turbine installations to other Massport facilities. Along with wind turbines, Massport is evaluating other proven renewable energy technologies at its facilities, including, solar power, geothermal technology, and fuel cell applications.

"We’re very excited to introduce clean energy generating technology at Boston Logan," said Massport CEO and Executive Director Thomas J. Kinton, Jr. "Massport is actively evaluating renewable energy options with the goal of meeting the governor’s "Lead by Example" executive order that seeks procurement of 15 percent of all energy from renewable resources and setting aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals."

Massport is a national leader in embracing environmental initiatives. Massport developed the first LEED-certified airport terminal in the world; the first ISO 14001 airport, container terminal, and bridge in the United States; and a number of innovative air-quality emission reduction programs, including preferred hybrid and alternative fuel vehicle parking. Logan’s 32 shuttle buses logged their 11-millioneth clean-air mile recently and currently, nearly 30 percent of all passenger and employee trips to Logan are in High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV), one of the highest HOV access mode shares among U.S. airports.

"Renewable energy and energy conservation are among Governor Patrick’s highest priorities," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles. "I applaud Massport for the example it is setting today, installing wind turbines to help power the Logan Office Center, and pursuing renewable energy opportunities at its other facilities."

The 1000-watt wind turbine system provides clean, reliable, non-polluting electric power. Each module fastens to the parapet of a building, weighs approximately 90 pounds, and measures approximately 6 feet in height and 8 feet in width. This urban turbine is a unique design, intended to continue to produce electricity under turbulent wind conditions and in both low- and high-wind speed environments.

Average monthly demand for electricity at the Logan Office Center is 407 kWh with an average monthly energy usage of 291,000 kWh. Massport expects that the wind turbines will provide an annual electrical output of approximately 100,000 kWh and save the Authority $13,000 annually in utility costs with additional energy savings to be pursued.

Massport operates Boston Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, Tobin Memorial Bridge, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generates more than $8 billion every year and enhances and enable economic growth and vitality in New England.