Offshore Wind Power

Captains

Offshore wind turbines are an economically viable producer of electricity. A recent Sustainable Business.com news article describes 2010 as a record year for offshore wind energy in Europe. While U.S. Energy and Interior Secretaries Chu and Salazar actively pursue the "Smart from the Start" offshore wind energy initiative to add megawatts to the Atlantic coast grid.

In Europe, 310 new offshore turbines were installed in 2010, a 51% increase which added 883 megawatts. The UK leads Europe and the world with a total installed wind generation capacity of 1341 megawatts. Europe's total wind generation capacity is enough to supply 2.9 million European households.

In the U.S., a 130 unit wind turbine project estimated to produce an average of 183 megawatts from a location just south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, was approved by the Department of Interior. Now the DOI's Bureau of Offshore Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) is seeking public input for other suitable offshore wind farm locations. Secretary's Chu and Salazar will be in Norfolk Monday to explain their efforts to accelerate the responsible siting of offshore wind energy projects.

Traditional offshore activities include commercial navigation, fishing, military exercises, natural resource conservation, and recreation. The Coast Guard is very much aware of these activities and will participate fully in the vetting process for each new wind energy project. I recommend keeping a close eye on these processes and providing your opinions when applicable.

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