9:26 a.m., July 9, 2009----There has been a lot of talk about green energy and the University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) is taking steps to make a land-based wind turbine on its Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Del., a reality.

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Learn more about the project at CEOE's next Ocean Currents Lecture, to be held Tuesday, July 28, at 7 p.m. in Room 104 of Cannon Lab at the Lewes campus on Pilottown Road.

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be given by CEOE Dean Nancy Targett and Willett Kempton, professor of marine policy.

The talk, titled “A Wind Turbine at the UD Campus in Lewes: An Opportunity for Research, Education, and Public Service,” will discuss the results of an assessment on the feasibility of placing a turbine on the campus. It also will discuss next steps in the project and what its development could mean for the campus and the community.

The assessment was completed by a consulting firm to determine whether there is a sufficient wind resource to support a turbine as well as additional factors, such as the best location on campus for a possible turbine.

The turbine was inspired in part by the work of Kempton and his colleagues, national leaders in addressing the pros and cons of using wind resources. They have researched the amount of power supplied by Delaware's offshore winds as well as public reactions to potential offshore wind energy use and policy frameworks for utilization of the resource.

In June Kempton testified about jobs and economic opportunities related to the ocean for a U.S. Senate committee.

The project would add another dimension to the research possible at UD. With the turbine located near the coast, research opportunities for the college and University would include addressing issues such as salt tolerance, corrosion, and avian impact as well as understanding policy issues related to renewable energy.

Light refreshments will be available to guests after the hourlong talk. While the lecture is free, seating is limited and reservations are suggested. For reservations, contact Michelle Scorziello at [mkscorzi@udel.edu] or (302) 645-4346.

The final installment of the 2009 Ocean Currents Lecture Series will discuss sharks of Delaware Bay. Given by Dewayne Fox, assistant professor of fisheries at Delaware State University, the event will take place Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Lewes campus.

For more information, visit the CEOE Web site and click on Workshop, Seminar, Lecture and Event Schedules.