Mortenson's Renewable Energy Group Builds Wind Energy Display at Minnesota State Fair
August 21, 2006
Minneapolis, MN - Mortenson's Renewable Energy Group recently announced their partnership in building a wind energy display on the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair. In an effort to promote the use of wind energy as a vital, clean and economical renewable resource in today’s energy market, a single blade from a General Electric 1.5-megawatt wind turbine has been vertically erected in a permanent display at the new Eco Experience exhibit.
In a joint effort with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota State Fair, Windustry and several other partners, Mortenson provided resources to build and erect the blade display, which is located just outside the main door of the Eco Experience building. The blade erection took place on Friday, August 11, 2006. Standing at over 120 feet, the blade is expected to draw attention to the Eco Experience from a long distance and will be illuminated for evening viewing as well.
Our portion of the project consisted of overall project management, construction of the foundation and erection of the blade. This is the first time our team has ever picked, lifted and anchored a wind turbine blade vertically. The project's success is due in part because of steadfast planning and unwavering project management by our team members despite a very challenging project timetable.
About The Eco Experience
The Eco Experience features a sustainable eco-house with a lush rain garden, a live stage, organic food, state-of-the-art vehicles and cutting edge renewable energy technologies. A first-of-its-kind exhibit, The Eco Experience is a must see for any techie, gardener, do-it-yourselfer, nature-lover and clean energy advocate.
This innovative, new exhibit was created to raise awareness of the critical need for green technologies, sustainability and renewable energy sources, and to show Fair-goers that Minnesota has the technologies, resources and know-how to become a leader in environmentally-sound growth. The Eco Experience is located in the Progress Center building at the corner of Cosgrove St. and Randall Ave. on the State Fairgrounds. The Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, Aug. 24 through Labor Day, Sept. 4, 2006.