US: Cemex USA has announced a novel plan to install four 120m-tall wind turbines at one of its US cement terminals and quarry in order to cut carbon emissions and energy costs.
The Victorville Planning Commission has unanimously approved the two turbines proposed at Cemex's cement manufacturing plant, with the company stating the project would help keep jobs in the Victor Valley.
"Our operations will continue at Victorville even if the turbine permits are not approved," said Cemex spokeswoman Sara Engdahl. "However, the wind turbine project at our Victorville site is beneficial not only to our operations but to the environment as well. The project will contribute to the local economy through jobs created for the construction and engineering of the turbine, and the project directly partners with California-based Foundation Windpower."
The two turbines in Victorville will produce an estimated 6500MWh of electricity in an average year, enough to sustain 650 average homes, according to the company. The other two proposed turbines will be built at the Black Mountain Quarry in an unincorporated area of Apple Valley. They are under review by San Bernardino County.
The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stabilise energy costs for Cemex, while preparing the company to comply with future carbon emission requirements, according to Cemex's proposal to the city of Victorville.
"The wind turbine project at our Victorville plant is part of our vision and commitment to reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment," said Engdahl. "Cemex is increasingly using renewable energy to generate power for our operations."
She added that Foundation Windpower began working on foundations of the Victorville site in August 2011. It is scheduled to start erecting the turbines in September 2012.
