First Ever US Offshore Wind Farm Approved
After years of review, political debate and a whole lot of red tape the first U.S. offshore wind farm has finally gotten approved. It will be located in the Horseshoe Shoal of the Nantucket Sound off Cape Cod.
This is a huge advancement and win bringing more renewable energy sources to the United States current energy grid. U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed off on the 130-turbine, 420-megawatt Cape Wind project just today. “This project fits with the tradition of sustainable development in the area,” Salazar said.
The new wind farm doesn’t produce much in comparison to others, about enough to power 400,000 homes, but the approval of it’s construction is considered a major victory. The 400 foot tall turbines, manufactured by Siemens AG, will cover a 24 square mile area. Construction will begin later this year with the flip to be switched expecting to take place sometime in 2012.
The have been many arguments on both sides of the environmental fence. Supporters state that implementing renewable resources is the only viable way to power the United States grid as we move forward and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. While dissenters feel the turbines are an eyesore, and feel they have a detrimental effect on property values in the popular vacation area south of Boston. While others have stated the possibility of damage to birds, whales, fishing, aviation, and historic sites.
“We believe there is huge potential for offshore wind along the Atlantic. We don’t want to be second to anyone,” Salazar said. With in the last year U.S. wind generation efforts have increase 27% and account for 2% of all electrical supplies.
Source: Reuters
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