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$500,000 awarded for Minnesota State Mankato renewable energy research

Federal appropriation

Minnesota State Mankato and Minnesota West Community and Technical College have been awarded $500,000 in federal funds for renewable energy research and development of a wind generator maintenance training program.

2006-04-09

Minnesota State University, Mankato and Minnesota West Community and Technical College have been awarded $500,000 in federal funds for renewable energy research and development of a wind generator maintenance training program.

The funds are part of the 2006 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 2419). The bill was approved by the U.S. Senate Nov. 14, with both Minnesota Sens. Mark Dayton and Norm Coleman voting yes. The bill now goes to the White House, where President George Bush is expected to sign it.

"All of our representatives and senators have been very supportive of this project," said John Frey, dean of the College of Science, Engineering & Technology. The research initiative will be led by the college's Minnesota Center for Renewable Energy.

The $500,000 will fund three programs at Minnesota State Mankato and Minnesota West:

• Development of a customized training program for technicians who service wind generators;
• Continued research into a viable process to convert cellulose into ethanol;
• Continued research to find more efficient blends of alternate fuels for internal combustion engines.

The Center for Renewable Energy seeks to expand energy alternatives by developing new methods for using renewable fuels, including wind energy.

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