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Solar energy research firm to locate in Broomfield

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Contributed by: Joseph Kirchmer/YourHub.com on 11/29/2008

The city of Broomfield took a step toward a potentially brighter future with the approval of a new facility that will focus on producing renewable energy sources.

City council unanimously approved a proposal Nov. 25 to approve zoning changes allowing for solar energy firm Sundrop Fuels to build a temporary research and development facility near Lowell Lane and County Road 7. The company, which signed a 30-month lease for the 4-acre area, is considering making Broomfield its permanent home - and it's not the only one.

"I think what we're seeing here, somewhat, is Broomfield's version of the Conoco-Phillips project," said William Branyan, of Urban Frontier LLC, a Denver-based real-estate investment and development company that's working with the landowner to develop the area. "We're looking at the possibility of this area becoming a hub for renewable energy projects. We're in discussion with a number of other renewable energy companies who have interest in this area too."

The Sundrop Fuels facility, which will be located near the newly-opened Children's Hospital campus, will include a 60-foot tall tower, a field of heliostats and a 30-foot tall combustor, all of which will be shielded by an 8-foot security fence lined with barbed wire. Developers originally wanted a razor wire fence, but agreed to change it after objections from council over the potentially foreboding appearance of the wire.

"I don't like the idea of razor wire in Broomfield," said councilman Randy Ahrens. "We don't have that at the detention center, why do we need it at a research project?"

Ultimately, however, most council members were excited about the potential of landing more renewable energy projects in the city.

"Getting ourselves on the map is very important," said councilman Dennis McCloskey. "The idea that it attracts others that are like-minded, knowing that Broomfield is going to be friendly to that sort of project is very important."

Those comments were largely echoed by councilman Kevin Jacobs.

"In my experience with research, once you get things going, that's really the most important thing to generate some energy," Jacobs said. "If we can start this with the approval of a temporary change, then I think we're going in the right direction."

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