HAYS, Kan. (AP)--Officials at Fort Hays State University are considering building a small wind farm to power their campus.

If the plan goes through, it would be the first wind farm for a Kansas college, though there are signs it could motivate other campuses to do the same.

Fort Hays leaders are weighing several wind energy options besides building a wind farm near Hays on its own. The university is also considering partnering with a wind energy company or simply purchasing blocks of wind energy already in production.

If the university does build its own wind farm, it would be on school-owned land two miles outside Hays, said Mike Barnett, vice president of administration and finance. It would need two or three turbines to accommodate the 3.2 megawatts needed each day.

Barnett said the turbines cost about $1.5 million each to build. The university could save on energy costs over time, though a backup electrical source would likely still be needed.

"One thing we won't do is put the university at risk," Barnett said. "If it doesn't make sense financially, we won't do it."

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' energy adviser, Lee Allison, said universities likely will lead the way among public entities making use of wind energy. Several universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, already devote a portion of their energy use to wind sources.

"We've seen a number of universities around the country get into this," Allison said. "Students tend to be very intrigued and aware of energy and environmental issues. Students are saying they're willing to pay a little more to voice their conscience."

The University of Kansas' Student Senate is considering adding a $1 per student fee to purchase enough wind energy to power the Student Recreation Fitness Center.

Jim Long, vice provost for facilities at the University of Kansas, said the school hasn't ruled out the use of wind energy across campus.

"As opportunities come, we will consider them," he said. "KU has been interested in the potential of wind farms and their development within the state."

Date: 8/25/05