Southcoast Health System is testing the wind in efforts to find alternative energy sources to use at Tobey Hospital. On May 13, the company installed a nearly 200-foot-high meteorological tower at 44 Church Avenue.

The temporary structure will test wind conditions at Tobey Hospital for the next year to help determine whether wind power could be a viable source of energy for the hospital.

“At this point, it is exploratory," said Joyce Brennan, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Southcoast Health System. “We are looking into ways to make the hospital greener.”

Brennan said the process got underway in October 2010 when representatives from the hospital, along with Sandwich-based engineering firm Atlantic Design Engineers, met with the Zoning Board of Appeals at a public hearing to discuss installing the temporary tower.

Now that the tower is in place, Brennan said the hospital is hoping to collect the results of the study within the next year. There are currently no plans to pursue building a permanent wind turbine at the location, regardless of the outcome of the study, she said.

"If the study finds that wind is an effective alternative energy source, we will meet with the town and our neighbors to determine next steps," said Southcoast Health System Public Information Officer Stephanie Poyant.

Poyant added that Town Meeting's decision to repeal the town's wind energy facilities bylaw will not impact the hospital's study.

The tower is one of the many alternative energy options that Southcoast Health System is exploring in its efforts to reduce electricity consumption and dependence on carbon-based energy. Other options being tested at the company’s other facilities include solar panels and fuel cell technology.

“The goal is to have options,” said Brennan. “We want to be energy efficient.”