Wind test tower checking the breeze above TRU

KAMLOOPS – A test tower at Thompson Rivers University is collecting data to find out if a full-sized wind turbine might be added to the campus.

“The basic premise is to see what sort of winds are up there,” TRU environmental programs and research coordinator James Gordon says. “With the idea that if the winds are favourable the next set would be to look at a full turbine.”

The tower started testing the winds above the school’s trades building in December. Since then it’s been collecting data on a daily basis.

“We’re going to test for another 6 months,” Gordon says.

He says if the data collected isn’t encouraging for a full sized turbine right now. That data will be kept and if future opportunities present themselves, it could be considered later.

Since turbines are an expensive investment, it might not make sense for the university to pursue it right away.

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