The University of San Diego dedicated on Wednesday the second free-standing solar and wind energy tower installed on its campus by a local startup.
Primo Wind‘s EnergiPlant tower will create a “nanogrid,” using solar and wind energy as well as batteries to help power the school’s security systems, wifi, lighting and electrical charging ports. Eventually, the tower will also be used for 5G wireless phone service.
Last August, the university installed the first of the towers, which look like large metal flowers with white petals, outside the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies.
“In partnership with Primo Wind, we’re excited to dedicate this tower, with one more coming soon, that aligns with USD’s commitment to innovative projects providing social and sustainable value for our community,” said Chell Roberts, dean of the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.
The tower is located between the university’s Belanich Engineering Center and Guadalupe Hall.
San Diego-based Primo Wind received a Most Innovative Product award from CONNECT in 2018.
“With several USD engineers on our team, I am very happy for the collaboration with USD, and with the already hands-on experience these engineers have, they have made immediate contributions to the company,” said Ned McMahon, CEO and founder of Primo Wind.
