Wind turbines will help OSU save on energy costs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio State University officials say they expect to save $1 million in energy costs this year thanks to wind turbines in northwest Ohio.

The university in Columbus signed a 20-year agreement last fall to buy 50 megawatts of power annually generated by spinning wind turbines at Blue Creek Wind Farm. It's the state largest commercial wind farm, with 152 turbines in Van Wert and Paulding counties.

One megawatt of electricity can light about 300 homes. And 50 megawatts are enough to power about a quarter of the campus.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that it's part of the university's goal of becoming carbon neutral. Ohio State recently named energy as one of three priority focus areas for university wide teaching, research and community outreach over the next 10 years.