The Long Island Power Authority recently approved plans for the development of the largest offshore wind farm in the United States. Spearheaded by Deepwater Wind, a clean energy development company, the project aims to place 15 wind turbines, capable of powering 50,000 homes, in Atlantic waters between Montauk and Martha’s Vineyard.
Although this project is the largest of its kind in the nation it’s not the first, nor is it likely to be the last. Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York set a goal of pulling half of the state’s power from renewable sources by 2030 with wind power playing a significant role in this change. A smaller offshore wind farm and the first of its kind in the U.S., Block Island Wind Farm, started supplying energy to the grid just six weeks prior the approval of the current Deepwater Wind project.
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources, offshore wind blows more consistently than land based wind, and has the potential to generate over 2000 gigawatts (double the cummulative amount of energy produced by all U.S. electric power plants).
While offshore wind power presents enormous potential for a significant source of renewable energy, it also entails drawbacks. Development of the infrastructure required to run offshore wind farms can have adverse effects on wildlife and the surrounding habitat. Birds, for example, run the risk of coming in contact with turbine blades. Complaints have also been made about the obstruction of ocean views.
Without negating these downsides it’s important to consider the positives. Gaining power that does not originate from fossil fuels is critical in the effort to stem climate change. An enormous amount of clean energy can be produced through offshore wind farms. Jobs will be created and innovative solutions set forward with the advancement of this technology. Furthermore, as states like New York and Hawaii implement innovative and independent energy solutions, the public becomes less dependent on negligent federal leaders and their failure to address climate change in meaningful ways.
sources and links:
https://energy.gov/eere/wind/offshore-wind-research-and-development
https://energy.gov/eere/wind/environmental-impacts-and-siting-wind-projects
https://www.nytimes.com – Nation’s Largest Wind Farm Will Be Built Off Long Island
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