H-E-B and Wind Energy Corporation celebrated the successful installation of a vertical axis wind turbine at the H-E-B retail support center in Weslaco TX, marking a historic milestone in accessible, renewable energy. The turbine, installed adjacent to the facility, is now functional, generating electricity and operating at speeds as low as four miles per hour.
The partnership was announced in February 2008 and consists of an 18- to 24-month wind resource research project at the Weslaco site. The turbine is atop a 100-foot tower and is flanked by two 195-foot-high meteorological towers, which were installed in March 2008 and have been collecting high-resolution wind data for the past six months.
H-E-B, one of the nation’s largest food retailers with stores throughout Texas and Mexico, is committed to environmental projects that support communities in which they operate. Its Weslaco site was chosen over 18 other potential H-E-B pilot sites in Texas because of its wind conditions and opportunity for a secure location in which to conduct the necessary research. This research and development project will allow Wind Energy and H-E-B to ascertain how much electricity the system can provide to the facility and what opportunities will emerge for future power distribution. Both companies continue to work closely with the City of Weslaco regarding the positive community impact of the project.
