The University of North Texas is about to make history at its brand-new stadium.
The school is installing three wind turbines next to Apogee Stadium.
"Football is important in the state of Texas and to bring renewable energy, LEED design approaches to construction and combine that with football and athletics, is extraordinary," said Todd Spinks, director of UNT's Office of Sustainability.
The project is currently under way. Spinks said the turbines will generate up to 500,000 kilowatt-hours per year.
"That's equivalent to a third of [the] energy the stadium will consume or demand," Spinks said.
The first sections of the towers are already up, and there are two more sections to go. When it's complete, the towers will be as tall as the stadium lights.
"People will notice them," Spinks said.
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The turbines are one of a kind. Spinks said the stadium will be the first in the nation to be partially powered by wind. In the long run, it will save the school money.
"We are saving about $300,000 a year in energy [costs]," Spinks said.
Khan Spencer, the project manager, said progress has been slow this week because of the weather.
"Anytime you have to lift heavy equipment with a crane, wind is not your friend," he said.
He said he hopes they can put the finishing touches on the pioneering project next week.
