The three new turbines will join three other turbines that have been in operation since December 2015, to supply approximately 30% of Findlay plant's power needs at a fixed cost for 17 more years (the initial three turbines) and 20 years (the three new turbines).
Metal containers
The Findlay plant makes 100% recyclable metal containers, and employs more than 370 people.
Glenn Jost, plant manager Findlay, Ball Corporation, said by expanding the wind turbines to deliver power it is increasing its support of renewable energy while ensuring a fixed-rate cost.
“This adds to the sustainability advantage of metal packaging compared to other substrates, like plastics and glass," he said.
The three turbines will begin construction by the end of 2018 and the same model as the previous turbines.
The cost of the project is approximately $9m and is being financed by One Energy. The six total turbines will generate more than 24,000,000 kWh annually.
Megawatt Scholarships
To give back to the community, Ball and One Energy will create three, additional $5,000 Megawatt Scholarships in Findlay to be awarded each year the turbines are in operation.
These Ball Corporation/One Energy STEM Scholarships will annually hand out a total of $30,000 between the six scholarships.
The Megawatt Scholarships will be awarded to local high school graduates pursuing a two-year or four-year higher education degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) fields of study.
Jost said the scholarships allow Ball to further develop its Findlay workforce with engineering positions, and for other STEM roles.