May 3--Alternative energy sources accelerated by a push to move the nation past fossil fuels is gaining ground in the Cambria-Somerset region largely in response to the state's goal to get

20 percent of all energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Progress is being made on a wide variety of fronts.

Wind energy continues to lead in alternative energy while solar is generating increased interest. Methane production from area landfills is boasting success and a Richland Township company is developing fuel cells technology.

An old building in Johnstown could become home to a plant churning out 78,000 tons of wood pellets while, in nearby Clearfield County, work is continuing on a $270 million ethanol plant, the first in the state.

This region may be technologically behind when compared to significantly more progressive areas, but Cambria and Somerset counties are keeping up with other counties in developing alternative energy sources, said Erik Foley, executive director of the Renewable Energy Center at St. Francis University, Loretto.

"None of these things are a silver bullet. It's going to take a diverse approach to reduce our dependance on fossil fuels," Foley said.

Wind farms

Phase II of the Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm at the Cambria-Blair county line has been completed, bringing to 75 the number of turbines on the farm.

A third phase of 15 is proposed.

The 25 windmills in the Highland Wind Project near Dunlo in Adams Township are operational.

In Somerset County, the

23 turbines making up the Casselman Wind Power Project near Garrett were dedicated in October.

A windmill pioneer, Somerset County has had 34 turbines operating within its borders for a number of years.

While permanent jobs at turbine sites are minimal, the Gamesa plant outside Ebensburg is doing well.

With employment hovering at 300, the blade manufacturing facility is cross training employees to produce the next generation of blade, which will be larger and lighter, said Gamesa spokesman Michael Peck.

No one is talking new job creation yet, but Peck said the company's blade production focus is on Cambria County.

"Ebensburg is going to be our national blade manufacturing center of excellence," he said.

Gamesa continues to seek a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection to build a 30-turbine project on Shaffer Mountain at the Somerset-Bedford county line.

Recently, DEP rejected the company's storm water management plan based on technical and environmental grounds. It was the third time the state sent the application back to Gamesa.