Wind Turbine
On June 12, 2012, Heartland's 1.65MW Vestas turbine began generating energy for the Normal campus.
Powering the Campus and Education
Our wind turbine generates around 50% of the electricity on campus.
It also helps prepare students for employment in the growing green economy and providing them with a better understanding of renewable energy production and energy efficiency is an important part of the overall purpose of the turbine. Funded through a grant from the Illinois Green Economy Network, we offered multiple Wind Tower Competent Climber and Rescue Trainings and hope to offer more.
Turbine Fast Facts
- The Heartland Community College Board of Trustees adopted the vision of a wind turbine in 2006. View the complete timeline (PDF) of the turbine project from vision adoption to installation completion.
- It would take 11 school buses stacked end-to-end to measure up to the 390 foot turbine.
- The ladder inside the turbine is attached by powerful magnets.
- Approximately 80% of the turbine can be recycled.
- The blades can reach speeds up to 138 miles per hour. They pitch inward or outward to harvest as much wind energy as possible.
- More Fun Facts (PDF)