Wind Power News: Delaware
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
We oppose Delaware offshore wind because it’s expensive, unreliable, and threatens the natural environment
In a recent announcement, NJ League of Conservation Voters’ Executive Director, Ed Potosnak accused the Caesar Rodney Institute of running a “misinformation campaign” against offshore wind. In the spirit of information, we visited the NJ League of Conservation Voters’ Gala website so that we could understand who was backing their organization. We found that Mr. Potosnak shouldn’t be throwing stones when it comes to casting aspersions about funding and influence. We found that Mr. Potosnak’s organization has impressive backing from . . . Complete story »
Pentagon sounds alarm over Biden plan for offshore wind sites
The Pentagon is sounding alarms over Biden administration plans to advance offshore wind projects along the central Atlantic US coast, warning that almost all of the new terrain eyed for development conflicts with military operations. Maps shared with industry stakeholders and seen by Bloomberg News show vast red areas that the Navy and Air Force have deemed “highly problematic,” covering prime real estate the Interior Department last year earmarked for leasing off the coasts of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and . . . Complete story »
U.S. Wind rep tells Bethany officials about local benefits of wind power
At last Friday’s Bethany Beach Town Council meeting, local officials and 12 residents asked the age-old question “What’s in it for me?” While wind-energy projects offshore of Ocean City, Md. – including the U.S. Wind MarWin project – are now in final federal review to power 80,000 homes in Maryland, it’s the Bethany Beach area in Delaware that will carry the electrical load for its neighbor. According to BOEM testimony and a presentation requested by Bethany Beach Mayor Rosemary Hardiman, U.S. Wind . . . Complete story »
Offshore wind farms could reduce Atlantic City’s surfclam fishery revenue up to 25%, Rutgers study suggests
New research from Rutgers University shows Mid-Atlantic surfclam fisheries could see revenue losses from planned offshore wind farms, at least in the short- to medium-term after the development takes place. The data is sure to fuel opposition from the fishing industry to the Biden administration’s rapid offshore wind development along the New York, New Jersey, and Delaware coasts. President Joe Biden has a goal of generating 30 gigawatts of wind energy by 2030 as part of his effort to tackle . . . Complete story »
Viewpoint: Offshore wind won’t reduce CO2 emissions
I continued my ongoing analysis of electric generation in the PJM regional grid where Delaware is a participant. I wanted to share the results of how much wind and solar power was generated in the region from 2019 to 2021. From 2019 to 2021, wind and solar power generation increased by 30% but had no impact on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2).PJM is the largest regional grid in the country, serving 65 million people in thirteen mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states generating . . . Complete story »
US Wind eyes Delaware locations for bringing submarine powerlines ashore
It appears increasingly likely that underwater powerlines from Maryland offshore wind projects will come ashore in Delaware. Both the US Wind and Øersted’s Skipjack projects are moving in the direction of moving electricity generated from wind turbines 19 miles offshore to a grid connection in Delaware. Indian River Bay is a likely location with US Wind studying a Bay location, according to a filing with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Ørsted is also eying Indian River Bay after . . . Complete story »
Fenwick council requests 30-mile exclusion for turbines
The Fenwick Island Town Council on Friday, March 4, approved a resolution requesting that a federal agency that issues licenses for offshore wind farms require that wind turbines be placed at least 30 miles from the shoreline. The council made the move following a presentation by Council Member Paul Breger, who chairs the Town’s Environmental Committee. The resolution supports federal adoption of a 30-mile “exclusion zone” for offshore wind turbines for the entire state of Delaware. Breger cited precedents set . . . Complete story »
Fenwick seeks exclusion zone for offshore wind projects
FENWICK ISLAND – Fenwick officials are calling on federal agencies to adopt an exclusion zone for offshore wind projects. Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution asking federal agencies to update visualizations and radar studies to reflect the larger turbines being proposed for projects off the coast of Delaware and to move offshore wind lease areas at least 30 miles offshore. “If these turbines were out of sight of our tourist population I think . . . Complete story »
Delaware has little authority over planned wind farms, but looking for some say.
Delaware will have a say in where and how wind power comes ashore from two planned offshore farms in the next few years but it has little influence over their siting or size despite opposition from some coastal communities, the state’s top environmental official said. Shawn Garvin, Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, said officials remain involved in discussions over where cables from two new wind farms near the Delaware shore will make landfall and be . . . Complete story »
Wind reps, Ocean City fisherman still far apart
Offshore wind energy continues to press ahead, and while those companies that intend to erect scores of turbines off the Ocean City coast continue to work on strengthening their ties within the maritime community, chasms remain between their interests and those of commercial and recreational fishermen. Last week, representatives from US Wind – Director of External Affairs Nancy Sopko, Director of Marine Affairs Ben Cooper and Fisheries Liaison Ron Larsen – briefed the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council on their progress in the . . . Complete story »
