Whirlpool turns to wind farms to drive major US plant
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, is using wind energy to power its US manufacturing facility in Ohio.
The Findlay wind farm is an $18 million “Wind for Industry” project, financed by One Energy, which provides energy solutions for large electric consumers.
On-site wind energy generation is designed to significantly reduce an industrial facility’s electricity consumption from the grid. The wind farm will have five wind turbines with Whirlpool utilising two and nearby Ball Company using three. Through clean, renewable wind energy producing zero greenhouse gas emissions, the turbines are expected to offset an estimated 22 per cent of the Whirlpool’s electric consumption.
Each turbine is expected to generate electricity equivalent to the amount required to power 300-400 homes.
“We’re excited to join One Energy and the Findlay community for this project,” Dale Laws, vice president of Findlay operations, said.
“For more than 40 years, Whirlpool Corp has made significant advancements in sustainability. The Findlay wind farm project is an example of how global firm like Whirlpool can have a positive impact at the local level, and the global level by minimising the impact of our operations on the environment.”
For each turbine, Whirlpool Corporation will create one $5,000 Megawatt Scholarship to be awarded each year the turbine is in operation. Two scholarships (one per turbine) will be awarded annually to a graduating high school senior from the local districts. The scholarships are designed to encourage education in technologies and industries of the future. Eligible students will be seeking a two to four year degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at an accredited college.
“This project further demonstrates Whirlpool’s commitment to sustainability,” said Ron Voglewede, the firms’ global sustainability director. “We’re making positive progress on improving our ’ footprint, while manufacturing energy efficient products. The dishwashers we make in Findlay are designed to lower energy and water consumption while improving performance, the same as the Findlay wind farm will do for our plant.”
Feasibility studies were conducted to ensure responsible siting by assessing any potential impacts from turbine installation, including sound propagation and environmental impact. Construction is scheduled to begin soon and the turbines are expected to be operational later this year.
