From recycling to using more fuel efficient vehicles, going green is a trend many in KELOLAND are catching onto. Now one of the state's universities will lead the region for renewable energy research thanks to a new facility.

It's no secret that wind is usually an abundant source in South Dakota, but now a new research facility at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is going to help scientists learn how to better use it for electricity.

A new 80-foot wind turbine on campus is the first of its kind in the midwest. It's being used for renewable energy research.

"Obviously, there is a big thrust to move to green energy, and to start generating electricity using these renewable sources," Assistant Professor Lance Roberts said.

Roberts says studying output of the windmill, along with a smaller turbine and three solar panels, will help future scientists and engineers at the School of Mines close the green energy deficiency gap.

"The biggest problem with wind energy right now is that it's only about 30 percent efficient.  You can only get energy when the wind blows, so if we can improve the efficiencies of these systems so they're operating at a wider range and they can generate more electricity then we're going to really push more toward green energy," Roberts said.

Something that should be easy to accomplish in such a windy setting.

"South Dakota is actually ranked number four for wind potential in the entire United States, so there's a lot of potential to generate electricity from wind in our state and so, to have this facility in the state of South Dakota only makes sense," Roberts said.

The school's use of the turbines and solar panels was made possible through a partnership with Black Hills Power. The company is also buying the electricity that's being produced by the machines.