The Watertown campus now has a small, temporary test turbine to measure the feasibility of the campus as a potential site for a wind turbine. This is solely an educational endeavor as there are no plans for a full-sized Watertown turbine at this time. The device is being erected as part of the one credit Wind Turbine Installation Class instructed by Christopher Folk. The class falls under the larger Introduction to Wind Energy Certificate Program.

“The City of Watertown granted the college a Conditional Use Permit for it to be flown for a limited period of time, and it is to be removed by May of 2014,” Folk said. This particular device has also previously been installed at the Jefferson County Fair Park and the Bristol Town Hall north of Sun Prairie.

The Wind Energy Program began in 2009 when a full-sized turbine was constructed at the Fort Atkinson Campus. The turbine is still fully operational and currently being maintained under contract by the company it was purchased from.

“Northern Power Systems monitors the turbine operation via Internet from their home company location in Vermont,” said Jeffrey Dodge, campus manager for the Watertown campus. Dodge is also the campus manager for the Fort Atkinson campus, which has a turbine of its own.

The Fort Atkinson turbine may take as many as 20 years to pay for itself. Folk said the turbine as an example of the college’s commitment to sustainability. He also said there is an increased possibility of students becoming more involved in maintenance in the near future.

“However there are other things to consider such as the reduction of greenhouse gases as a result of our installation and the educational value to not only our students but to the community as well,” Folk said.

Although employment numbers in the renewable energy field currently make up a tiny portion of the American work force, so called “green jobs” have seen extraordinary growth in recent years according to a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment rates in the green sector have even surpassed that of the healthcare field according to the report.

If you are interested in a career in sustainable, renewable energy with promising employment opportunities, Madison College’s Introduction to Wind Energy Certificate may be exactly what you are looking for. Classes are offered at Truax and Watertown campuses and cover topics such as site assessment, turbine installation and maintenance.