UDwindTurbine

Photo Caption show

The new wind turbine on UD's Lewes campus.
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Welcome

The University
of Delaware and Gamesa Technology Corporation joined forces to install a utility-scale 2-megawatt (2-MW) wind turbine at UD’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. The joint venture, First State Marine Wind, is a partnership between UD-owned Blue Hen Wind and Gamesa USA.

This partnership came about because of synergies that emerged from wind research being conducted at UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and College of Engineering, the State of Delaware’s interest in offshore wind, the City of Lewes’ interest in innovative energy opportunities, and Gamesa’s interest in improving its understanding of the effects of marine conditions such as salt spray on turbine coatings, corrosion, and avian impacts. More

wind turbine

Latest Updates

News 10/26/12

Safety measures during Hurricane Sandy

UD’s wind turbine is programed to operate at wind speeds between 8 and 56 miles per hour and will automatically shut itself down when outside this range. Should it appear that Hurricane Sandy will approach Lewes, the turbine will be shut down  manually until conditions allow it to be restarted.

News 8/1/12

UD's wind turbine in Lewes marks second year of energy generation, research

This past June marked the second anniversary of the installation of the University of Delaware's wind turbine located in Lewes. Since it became operational in June 2010, the turbine has generated 9.5 million kilowatt hours (kWh), spinning out more than enough electricity to power the Hugh R. Sharp Campus. More

News 7/24/12

First Gamesa turbine generator made specifically for US market tested at UD's Lewes campus

The University of Delaware's wind turbine in Lewes will be the test site for Gamesa Technology Corp.'s first generator customized for the United States, to be used in its two-megawatt wind turbines. More

Update 5/8/12

Gamesa to service turbine through weekend

Over the next several days, Gamesa will perform service on the University of Delaware's wind turbine in Lewes. The turbine will not operate during the service period. The turbine is expected to resume operation the week of May 13.

News 4/20/12

Steering clear of corrosion

It's a problem many boaters face after cruising salty waters around Delaware's coast: corrosion. Rivets, rudders and other boat parts can start to disintegrate after seawater contacts different metals and causes damaging chemical reactions. More

Turbine

Turbine model
Gamesa G90
Generator power
2 MW
Tower height
256 feet
Tower weight
203 tons
Blade length
144 feet
For more specifications

Project status

Milestones:

  • Turbine Operational
  • Construction Completed
  • Construction Begins
  • City of Lewes Approves MOU
  • UD, Gamesa Finalize Agreement
View the history of the project