Ely Project Marks Milestone in Unveiling of Power System

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Visitors to the Will Steger Wilderness Center in Ely will notice the center has a unique way to keep the lights on. 

The leadership retreat center, which is not yet open to the public, will provide electricity to the buildings with a completely carbon-free power system. 

Will Steger powered up the lights for the first time Wednesday, marking a milestone for the leadership retreat center. This now ends Phase I, which means the completion of the largest fully independent power grid in the state. 

Power sources will come from a combination of wind, solar, battery and biodiesel to fire up the grid. 

Phase II will include additional solar, wind, and additional carbon-free and/or low carbon renewable energy sources. 

The first pilot leadership team is expected to use the Will Steger Wilderness Center in the Fall of 2016.