Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability training, now has a generator capable of powering 15,000 average America homes. The generator, which is one of the most expensive components in a wind turbine, is a donation from Alstom, a leading energy solutions and transport company. Matt Pevarnik, an account executive for Alstom who serves on Ecotech Institute’s advisory board, spearheaded the donation.
“What’s incredible about this donation is now our students will have hands-on training with the same equipment they’ll encounter in their careers when they graduate from Ecotech Institute,” said Shawn Lamb, Ecotech Institute’s Wind Energy Technology Program Director. “This equipment combined with our 20-ton gearbox, which Winergy donated last year, gives our students training very few people will have before entering their profession.”
Students in Ecotech’s Wind Energy and Power Utility degree programs will use the generator, along with the gearbox, for mechanical training and to practice inspections and tests that are part of a wind turbine’s preventative maintenance program. Students will also have the chance to work on more complicated repairs in the course of their on-the-job training.
“Alstom is proud to see that our 1.7MW generator will help benefit the Ecotech Institute’s wind energy technology program,” said Albert Fisas-Camanes, R&D Director for Alstom Wind North America. “We appreciate the value of hands-on education and believe this generator will serve as a valuable learning tool to students studying for a career in the wind energy field.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the generator took place at Ecotech Institute in late July.
