Fort Hays State University will begin generating most of its electricity from wind turbines by the end of the summer.
After more than six years of planning and a $9 million investment, work crews are installing two 400-foot wind turbines at the university in Hays. Crews started installing the first turbine last week.
Fort Hays President Edward Hammond says the turbines should be operational by Aug. 1.
According to documentation submitted to Ellis County, the turbines will provide energy directly to campus, and their combined energy output will cover roughly 97% of energy consumption on campus.
President Hammond estimated the project will save the university $600,000 the first year, and as much as $700,000 to $900,000 in subsequent years.
