HOLYROOD — USD 112 Central Plains school district will begin a new wind energy program for their students to allow for education and some electrical generation.

USD 112 Superintendent Steve Woolf said that through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture for $5,000 and other in-kind grants, the district was able to acquire a wind turbine that is 45 feet tall and will provide electrical generation as well as provide students with the opportunity to study wind patterns and other curriculum aspects that relate to wind energy. It will be a one pole generator.

The district is planning for the future. "We want to make sure our kids are prepared," said Woolf. "Wind energy will take off."

The wind turbine is designed for homes and businesses and produces up to 400 kilowatts of electricity per month. It will be installed at Central Plains High School - Claflin in September so that the students can watch the installation.

The turbine will be installed between the high school and football field, but out-of-the way, the superintendent said. The turbine will generate some electricity for the school. Woolf said that since work continues at the school all summer long, including cleaning and summer school, the turbine will also be useful during the summer.

The turbine will allow students to have basic knowledge of wind energy before they choose a career, Woolf said.

The district has had a former student already going through a wind energy program at a college in Colorado that specializes in an intensive wind energy program.