About Us
The Jackson County Green Energy Park (JCGEP) utilizes clean, renewable energy resources to encourage economic development, provide environmental protection, and offer educational opportunities that together will help lead towards a more sustainable future for Western North Carolina. Located in Dillsboro, NC, JCGEP captures methane gas from the old town landfill, then uses the gas as fuel for a series of artisan studios.
Environmental Benefits of the GEP (pdf)
JCGEP Press Fact Sheet (pdf)
JCGEP FEATURES:
Glass - The Glass Studio is one of the only hot shops in the world utilizing landfill methane gas as a fuel. Glass Studio space is available for rent.
Blacksmithing / Metals — The Metals Shop features the first blacksmith forges and art foundry ever fired on landfill gas. Metals Shop facilities and equipment are available for rent.
Ceramics – Our Anagama Kiln is modeled on ancient Japanese designs. The 100ft3 kiln is fired using wood and waste vegetable oil as fuels. The kiln is available for public firings several times throughout the year.
Gallery – The Art Gallery showcases the exquisite work created by our artists using renewable energy.
Sculpture Garden – The Sculpture Garden features work by the winners of the GEP sculpture competitions, along with other pieces by local artists. The GEP is proud to provide a place for artists to showcase their exceptional talents in sculpture creation.
Guided Tours – Public tours are offered on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 10 am - 3 pm; and at other times by appointment. Tours include a glassblowing demonstration, a walking lecture on the GEP's renewable energy use and history, a visit to our ceramics kiln, and a blacksmithing demonstration when available.
Environmental Benefits
Methane gas from landfills is a very potent greenhouse gas, damaging our environment.
By burning landfill gas as fuel, our project provides direct and immediate improvements to our environment and local air quality.
Yearly reductions in emissions:
• Prevents 281 tons of methane from entering the atmosphere.
• Offsets 550 tons of CO2 that have been created by fossil fuels instead.
That’s comparable to:
• Removing 916 vehicles off the road, or
• Planting 1,305 acres of forest, or
• Preventing the use of 11,104 barrels of oil, or
• Displacing the use of 521,870 gallons of gas
Staff
Timm Muth, Project Director
With over 30 years experience in the energy industry, Timm has helped design and manage nuclear facilities, fossil fuel stations, hydropower, solar and wind power installations, and biomass resources such as landfill gas. Timm has led the effort at the Green Energy Park since its inception in 2005. He brings to the project an enthusiasm for renewable energy, belief in the power of community, and the ability to turn what could be into what is.
Chelsea Miller, Program Assistant
Born and raised in Homestead (FL) Chelsea graduated from Western Carolina University in December of 2014 with degrees in fine arts and education. She is highly knowledgeable in the areas of glass blowing and blacksmithing having taken classes from master teachers. She is devoted to community and enjoys giving back - she started working with the GEP as a volunteer in 2010.
