WASHINGTON, D.C. — The University of Minnesota and two other universities have been selected to be part of a “wind energy consortium.”

The university will receive $8 million, as part of federal stimulus legislation, from the Department of Energy for wind-energy research.

“This project will help ensure Minnesota continues to lead the nation in developing new technology for the growing energy economy,” Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a statement.  “By investing in energy efficiency projects, we can cut energy costs, put Minnesotans to work, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

The university will use the funding to install a new turbine research facility to study mechanical-power transmission and electric-generator systems, according to Klobuchar.

The educational initiatives under the plan include new undergraduate and graduate programs and student internships with industrial partners.