Electric Vehicle Charging Station also Possible
LA PLATA, Md. (March 15, 2011) — Charles County’s efforts to install an energy-saving wind turbine at the Crain Memorial Welcome Center in Newburg received a generous boost today as Governor Martin O’Malley announced that the local government will receive a $50,000 grant from the Maryland Clean Energy Center. The grant funds will support the installation of an up to 20-kilowatt wind turbine to produce sustainable electrical power to the County-operated Welcome Center on U.S. Route 301.
“This project is a significant step forward in realizing our goals of utilizing more sustainable and renewable energy sources and educating the public about renewable energy use,” said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1).
According to a news release issued today by Governor O’Malley’s office, Charles County’s project is one of only 10 clean energy projects across the State selected by the Maryland Clean Energy Center to receive funding assistance supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Maryland Energy Administration.
The wind energy project is one component of a potential Renewable Energy Education Center to be housed at the Welcome Center. The Commissioners are also exploring installing solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station at the Welcome Center.