Fayette looks to become leader in energy efficiency
Representatives of energy-producing industries, along with elected officials and economic development leaders, say people power is part of the equation in making Fayette County a leader in energy efficiency. The Private Industry Council hosted representatives of the natural gas, solar, geothermal, coal, electric and wind power industries at an energy summit Thursday afternoon at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
Barry Seneri, economic development manager with Fay-Penn Economic Development Council Inc., said it is important for area businesses to find a way to become more energy efficient.
“Businesses need to think about their transportation costs and packaging, and figure out how to have less waste and less energy consumption,” said Seneri. “We have to find a way to harness this energy and create jobs in Fayette County.”
Gary Verkleeren, a senior business developer for Iberdrola Renewables, said that his company will be starting construction this year on a $110 million wind turbine project in Fayette County.
“I believe these turbines will really put Fayette County on the map,” he said. “These turbines will be symbolic and you will be able to see them from a great distance.”
Verkleeren, who headed the development of the recently constructed Casselman wind farm in Somerset County, maintained that wind power is an up-and-coming alternative energy source.
“Renewable energy is coming in a big way and it is going to be here to stay,” he said.
Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites said that the county received three energy grants from the federal government geared toward helping residents and business owners become more energy efficient.
“This is an economic opportunity of a lifetime,” he said. “I look for Fayette County to turn around economically over the next 10 years.”
Vicites said that he speaks daily with his fellow commissioners about the best way to go about using the grant money.
In addition, Vicites added that everyone will have to work together to realize an economic turnaround.
Joseph Segilia, director of Outreach at Penn State Fayette, said that his vision is to make the local campus a “leader in energy efficiency.”
Segilia also said that the campus recently implemented the first online energy engineering degree program.
Kevin Abbey, an energy program manager with the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program, said that his program promotes energy efficiency and conservation for businesses, homeowners, institutions and schools.
“Energy efficiency and conservation is here right now and we need to be aware of it,” he said.