Nov. 7--IOWA CITY -- The University of Iowa has assembled a $78 million proposal to become the site of the world's first test site for large-scale wind turbines.

As part of that proposal, the Iowa Power Fund Board on Tuesday will consider a UI request for $15 million in state funding toward the project.

UI hopes that money will help attract federal stimulus dollars for the project, known as Wind Energy National Testing Institute (WENTI).

A team at the UI College of Engineering spent most of the summer putting together the UI bid, Dean of Engineering Barry Butler said.

"This is a very solid proposal," Butler said.

Last summer, the U.S.

Department of Energy offered $45 million in federal recovery money to fund a research facility that would focus on the gearbox and drive train portions of large turbines, which convert energy from whirling blades into a generator that churns out electricity. Wind turbines grow larger each year because larger turbines tend to be more cost-effective electricity producers than smaller turbines.

The proposed UI project would be at the Oakdale campus. It would test 5 -- to 15-megawatt-rated wind turbine drive trains. UI is also seeking $5 million from the Iowa Department of Economic Development and various in-kind contributions such as land from UI, and street improvements from the City of Coralville.

In UI's favor is the fact that the Corridor has two producers of large wind turbines, Clipper Windpower in Cedar Rapids and Acciona Windpower in West Branch. Iowa also has the nation's second-largest installed base of wind turbines, and Iowa City is developing one of the nation's first wind energy industrial parks to attract wind industry components suppliers.

It also has the Iowa Alliance for Wind Innovation and Novel Development, a partnership of government, education and private entities supporting the wind industry.

Butler acknowledged, however, that UI has strong competition from Michigan and other states.

The project is seen as a game-changer for states seeking to attract wind industry investment.

Whatever state wins the project will likely become the prime location for new industry investment, he said, because companieswillwant to be close to the main resources for testing and research.

Iowa Power Fund's support will essentially decide "if it's a go or a nogo," Butler said.

-- Contact the writer: (319) 398-8317 or david. dewitte@gazcomm.com

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