WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsSantee Cooper researches small-scale wind turbines in Georgetown

Santee Cooper researches small-scale wind turbines in Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, SC (WMBF) - Results from an anemometer to be installed in Georgetown County Tuesday could give Santee Cooper the results it needs to justify the construction of a wind turbine to help generate power.

A Santee Cooper distribution operations crew is expected to begin the instillation of an anemometer at the end of the Georgetown Fishing Pier Tuesday. The instrument will be placed on a 30-foot fiberglass pole, which will be mounted at the end of the pier.

Officials say the anemometer will document wind direction and speed for the next three to six months, as Santee Cooper continues its research on a potential offshore wind farm.

Should the instrument present the results researchers are looking for, Santee Cooper could install a two kilowatt wind turbine at the Georgetown Fishing Pier. The turbine would be the first to be installed in the company's customer service territory, and potentially the first in South Carolina.

An internet interface built into the turbine will allow students and other residents to monitor real-time energy output from winds generated at the pier.

"We think these projects offer a great learning opportunity for students, and they will help us all learn more about this important potential renewable energy resource," said Marc Tye, vice president of conservation and renewable energy at Santee Cooper.

In addition to the Georgetown Fishing Pier location, the company plans to test winds at Morgan Park with the construction of an anemometer tower within the next few weeks.

©2009 WMBF News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.