Wind Power News: Maryland
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.
Fenwick council officially opposes state park partnership with wind farm developer
FENWICK ISLAND – In another public stance last week, officials in Fenwick Island approved a resolution opposing plans for improvements at Fenwick Island State Park in exchange for the construction of an onshore power transmission station. Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution outlining the town’s objections to a proposed project that, if approved, would allow Orsted – a Danish offshore wind developer – to construct an onshore interconnection facility at Fenwick Island State . . . Complete story »
Meteorological tower for wind farm off OC delayed
Construction of a meteorological tower for US Wind’s offshore project has been delayed. WBOC reports that the tower is part of the wind farm that will be locate 17 miles off the coast of Ocean City. The installation was to take place in the summer was delayed by Hurricane Dorian and a contract failure among other issues. The company promised that the wind farm was still on track but that delays of this type are to be expected in projects . . . Complete story »
U.S. Wind says Ocean City offshore wind project faces significant delay
In a letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission, U.S. Wind informed the state that the completion of its offshore wind farm will be delayed by two years. The company now says the project is due to be completed in 2023 rather than 2021. “U.S. Wind’s estimated commercial operation date may continue to change as its qualified offshore wind project develops or as unforeseen variables may arise,” according to the Nov. 25 letter from U.S. Wind Country Manager Salvo Vitale. . . . Complete story »
Delaware, Fenwick Island may be getting raw deal on wind turbines, former mayor says
The Skipjack proposal will dramatically change Fenwick Island State Park. Others have commented on the environmental and economic impact of this decision. I’m concerned about the process. As I understand it, the proposal is part of an agreement between the state of Maryland and the Danish firm Ørsted to build an interconnection facility to connect power generated by the Skipjack wind farm to the electric grid. This is unquestionably a Maryland project that has yet to garner strong support in . . . Complete story »
Delaware State Senator concerned over offshore wind farm’s impact to coastal tourism, utility costs
Following a public meeting earlier this week on a proposed wind farm off the coast of Delaware, State Senator Gerald Hocker is speaking out, expressing concerns over how the proposal could affect tourism and raise utility costs in Sussex County. The proposal would install wind turbines that would span hundreds of feet into the air, nearly the same height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and over half the height of the Empire State Building in New York. Earlier this . . . Complete story »
Public poses questions about proposed wind-farm project
Members of the public filled the auditorium at Indian River High School on Tuesday, Nov. 19, for an informational meeting regarding the proposed Skipjack Wind Farm project and related proposals for a transmission facility and improvements at Fenwick Island State Park. The transmission facility, as proposed, would be built on a 1.5-acre site on the bay side of the park, and would connect the power brought to shore, via underground cable, to the existing power grid. In return for that, . . . Complete story »
Opponents air concerns over Del. park wind project
DAGSBORO – Opposition to a proposal that would bring millions of dollars in capital improvements to Fenwick Island State Park in exchange for the placement of an onshore interconnection facility dominated a public meeting this week. Hundreds of people filled the auditorium at Indian River High School on Tuesday night as representatives from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Orsted – a Danish offshore wind developer – presented plans for a project that, if approved, . . . Complete story »
Wind farm proposal draws large crowd — and lots of questions
FENWICK ISLAND – The message from those opposed was plain and simple. Towering offshore windmills off Delaware’s southernmost coast and incentive-based amenities and upgrades at Fenwick Island State Park will spoil the natural beauty of one of the region’s last remaining pristine treasures. Indian River High School’s packed auditorium was a house divided Tuesday night amid opposition and support for a Danish company’s clean energy pitch – the Skipjack Wind Farm – to generate power with a beach-based interconnect in return for upward . . . Complete story »
Let the people vote on wind farms
Regarding the Nov. 9 article, “Officials rail against ‘false accusations” (Page 1A): Personally, I found the commissioners’ approach to the Dan’s Mountain residents to be immensely insensitive and callous. Their attitudes smack of “Get out of the way; you don’t matter.” These residents are people who are fighting for their homes and their quality of life. Our homes are our only sanctuary. At the end of each day, our homes are where we come for peace of mind and what . . . Complete story »
Unhappy Delaware residents voice frustration with offshore wind deal
A “secret” memorandum of understanding. A loss of natural space. Impacts to health, quality of life and ocean views. Those were just a few of the concerns raised by a rowdy crowd of more than 200 people Tuesday night during discussions of a potential partnership between Delaware and an offshore wind company. “If these wind farms are constructed as proposed, the view off our shoreline to our horizon will be changed forever,” said Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan. “The sunrise . . . Complete story »
