Business Facilities - June 2008 - (Page 22)

Winds of Change IN THE BERKSHIRES The region in western Massachusetts is transforming itself into an alternative energy leader with wind turbines, biodiesel and other renewable resource projects. By Jack Rogers iminy Peak always has been the place to go for skiing and winter fun in the tree-covered Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. Until now, the wind was something visitors put up with as they enjoyed the slopes. Today, visitors come for the wind as well—or at least to witness the wind being harnessed as a source of renewable energy. They come to see the Zephyr wind turbine, a colossal propeller that sits atop Jiminy Peak and provides more than 2 million kilowatts of power annually to the resort, about 25% of its total needs. A survey of 14,000 new visitors to Jiminy during this past winter found that nearly a quarter of them were drawn by the big turbine. Zephyr—which cost $4 million and is the first megawatt-class turbine installed for on-site power usage in the country—has come to symbolize the dramatic transformation of the Berkshires into an alternative energy hub, the central element of a “Berkshire Blueprint” which focuses on the three E’s: energy, environment and economy. The Berkshires are abuzz with initiatives designed to the address the twin concerns of environment and energy in a coordinated effort that fuels economic development. J HOMEGROWN ENERGY The drive to green energy in the Berkshires is largely homegrown, with key players marrying local needs with 21st century technology. A good example of this dynamic is Tyler Fairbank, son of the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort owner and former head of the Berkshire Eco22 JUNE 2008 nomic Development Corporation. Fairbank recently founded EOS ventures, which provides turnkey renewable on-site power generation solutions to large-scale energy users in the area. To Fairbank, the focus on alternative energy is a logical extension of his previous work in economic development. “There is no more relevant issue [to economic development] or market segments today, and for the next decade, than renewables,” he says. In Pittsfield, MA, Berkshire Biodiesel is building a $65 million, 50-million-gallon/year biodiesel production facility, said to be the largest in the northeastern U.S.. The 50-megawatt plant aims to produce the highest-quality biodiesel at the lowest cost, and to serve a market that currently is the largest user of home heating oil in the country and which pays the highest electricity prices. Biodiesel is a renewable, sustainable energy source that can be made from virgin and waste vegetable oils and animal fats. The Berkshire plant will make use of tallow and chicken fat, and eventually plans to process algae into biofuel. Berkshire Biodiesel's plant is being constructed on the 110-acre Ashuelot Park site owned by Crane & Co., a location which formerly housed the Beloit Jones manufacturing facility and research center. A new spur to a nearby rail line will bring in raw materials to the biodiesel facility. Compared to oil, biodiesel when burned substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions from unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. According to Berkshire Biodiesel, the estimated 500 mil- PHOTO CREDIT: GARY SEARS

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Business Facilities - June 2008

Business Facilities - June 2008 Contents First Word Snapshots Metro Spotlight: Austin, TX The Greening of America Winds of Change in the Berkshires Hot Logistics Locales Metro Spotlight: New Mexico Borderplex Hollywood on the Louisiana Bayou Idaho: Gem State's Economy is Glittering Mayor's Reports New Brunswick, Canada's Export Leader Virginia: Where Business and Fun Come Together How Green Is Your Site? Maine's New Maritime Marketing Message Corporate Moves: Alabama Advertiser Index Ask the Expert

Business Facilities - June 2008

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