Cape Wind Project Receives Favorable Impact Report

Nantucket Sound is home to excellent offshore wind resources, and since 2001 Energy Management Inc. (EMI) has been trying to make it home to the United State's first offshore wind farm. Their proposal calls for 130 wind turbines with a generating capacity of 420 megawatts and would provide for about 75% of the demand from Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island, which would otherwise be generated by an oil and natural gas power plant. The project has been opposed by those who cite the famous scenic beauty and biological diversity of Nantucket Sound and the potential impacts on the commercial fishing fleet.

A new report issued by the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the agency in charge of offshore energy projects, gives a favorable assessment of Cape Wind's environmental and economical impacts, which should help the project advance in the permitting process. The report found that the proposed site is superior to alternatives and that the project would reduce air pollution, create jobs and not raise energy prices.

MMS will decide on granting Cape Wind a lease within 30 days. The majority of Massachusetts residents support the project, and the Army Corps of Engineers also issued a favorable environmental impact study in 2004.

You can read more about this development in North American Wind Power here.

 

PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Offshore wind will play an important role in our future energy production. Offshore winds are stronger and more consistent, and using ships allows for the transportation of larger wind turbines so a project can generate more power with fewer units. But it is important that it be done correctly, especially for a precedent-setting maiden project, so I applaud the thoroughness of the studies. I hope Cape Wind is constructed and that it serves as a good example for future offshore projects around the country. ~ Kevin

Kevin Maddaford is Associate of Customer Service and Resource Development for Renewable Choice.