Put down your spears and let the windmills be!

by Anne Law, March 29th, 2007, 7:13 am

The race is on to determine who will be first to build an offshore wind plant in the US. Several companies are working toward this goal, with initial development underway at locations in Massachusetts, New York, Delaware, and Texas.

The Galveston, Texas, facility being developed by Wind Energy Systems Technologies, has faced little opposition and plans to have its first turbine installed by September. The Long Island facility (LIPA and FPL Energy) is also supported by many in the community.

On the other hand, the Cape Cod facility being built by Energy Management Inc. has faced severe community opposition, primarily due to worries that the turbines will ruin million-dollar views and harm wildlife. The Delaware plant (Bluewater Wind), although supported by much of the community, must overcome political and coal industry blockers.

Wind farms make up the largest growing segment of renewable energy sources; the US topped the list in 2006 for new capacity installed, although Germany and Spain produce higher totals of wind-powered energy. Big time developers and turbine manufacturers are eager to enter the US market — including EDP, which is acquiring Horizon Wind for $2 billion, and Vestas, which is building a new plant in the states.

The US has fallen far behind in the offshore market however, as countries such as Denmark and the UK have had offshore projects in operation for years.

In addition to the benefits of all wind turbines (including a lack of fuel requirements and emissions), offshore wind projects have the added benefit of stronger winds, especially during warm afternoon when energy demands peak and onshore turbines slow down.

Offshore construction and maintenance costs can be higher, but typically these developments use larger turbines in greater numbers to offset the costs. Studies on existing facilities have shown that negative effects on migrating birds and marine life are minimal, and many proponents agree that wind is economically viable and environmentally friendly, especially when compared to the possible environmental impact of burning fossil fuels. Opinions on whether the turbines ruin or enhance views will never come to a consensus — beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.

Hopefully those opposing the developments will conclude that the benefits of offshore wind outweigh the negatives. Then all of these projects will make it to the finish line.