Thursday, March 3, 2011, Eveleth, MN – Nearly 50 people filled the room at Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) to learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy projects going on across the Range at an event co-hosted by Northeast Clean Energy Resource Team (NE CERT) and Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability.
“This event was a real celebration of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and education around clean energy and energy efficiency projects on the Iron Range,” said Joel Haskard, Co-Director of the Clean Energy Resource Teams. “People were especially excited to hear about Silicon Energy, a solar photovoltaic panel manufacturing company who has already broken ground on a new plant in Mountain Iron. They plan to have the 25,000 square foot facility ready this summer, and anticipate that they’ll be employing 25 people by the end of 2011,” said Haskard.
“It’s about job creation,” said Gary Shaver, President of Silicon Energy, stressing the importance of energy self-reliance.
“Although mining is a top industry on the Iron Range, self-reliant people, organizations, and businesses know that there’s mining to be done in the energy sphere. What we’re seeing is the emergence of a new clean energy industry and it’s going to bring positive change to our communities and help them thrive,” said Bill Mittlefehldt, Northeast CERT Coordinator.
Jim Plummer highlighted numerous renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that IRRRB has funded across the Iron Range, including installation of photovoltaic solar panels at the Public Library in Hibbing, using wind and algae for energy production in Silver Bay, and biomass boilers and photovoltaic system installations in the city of Orr.
Don Graves shared the work of students in the Northeast Higher Education District, including several projects funded through Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon, now named Minnesota Schools Conserving Energy & Water, at Hibbing Community College and Mesabi Range Community and Technical College.
Eric Torgerson, a student in the electrical maintenance program and solar photovoltaic programs at Hibbing Community College, calculated that by installing occupancy sensors, he and fellow students help the college eliminate 34% of electricity wasted from lighting.
Ardy Nurmi-Wilberg, Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability, gave a preview of the workshops and exhibitors at the upcoming 2nd Annual Iron Rangle Earth Fest, taking place April 9th. “The people on the Iron Range are concerned about sustainability. We want to learn how we can all live in a more healthy, productive and enjoyable way right here on the Iron Range. What we’re finding out is that what makes our communities more sustainability will also bring economic development and jobs to our communities,” said Nurmi-Wilberg.
More from the event:
- More photos from the event >>
- Iron Range Resources’ presentation on Renewable Energy Grants >>
- Virginia Sustainability Task Force’s presentation on their projects >>
- April 9th Iron Range Earth Fest >>
WDIO TV News’ Dennis Anderson and Renee Passal did a nice story on the event:
