Completion of OBO’s Second Wind Turbine at New U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritania

Photo: US Embassy, Mauritania
 
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
April 22, 2016

In celebration of Earth Day, the State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) is pleased to announce the completion of the Department’s second power-generating wind turbine at the new U.S. Embassy in Mauritania.

The 50 kilowatt (kW) turbine in Nouakchott is expected to generate nearly 142 megawatt hours (MWh) per year – equivalent to roughly the consumption of 13 average American homes – as well as save 84 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) a year, equivalent to the operation of 18 average vehicles. The cost savings generated are expected to pay back the initial investment in less than 12 years and, after payback, the U.S. government is estimated to save significantly on electricity costs.
Earlier this year, OBO constructed the Department’s first 20kW wind turbine at the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados. A third 6kW wind turbine is currently under construction at the U.S. Embassy in Valletta, Malta, and will be completed later this year.

OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent U.S. values and the best in U.S. architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.